Agnostic Front - "My Life, My Way" (CD)
"My Life, My Way" track listing:
1. City Street
2. More Than a Memory
3. Us Against the World
4. My Life My Way
5. That's Life
6. Self Pride
7. Until the Day I Die
8. Now and Forever
9. The Sacrifice
10. A Mi Manera
11. Your Worst Enemy
12. Empty Dreams
13. Time Has Come
Reviewed by The_Avant_Garde on March 20, 2011
The genre of hardcore is one that possesses some of metal’s all time greatest albums, as well as its fair share of embarrassing and generic flops. While Hardcore is typically split up into territorial regions, it is widely considered that New York Hardcore reigns supreme. One of, if not the most, iconic acts from the New York region is Agnostic Front, which is credited with spearheading the genre in the city’s underground. Over the band’s 30 year career, it has seen a few sonic shifts but on the group’s tenth full-length album, “My Life, My Way,” the band has recaptured its passion and intensity, firing on all cylinders. Its official, Agnostic Front is back.
Right from “City Streets” the band makes it known that “My Life, My Way” is going to be the classic, definitive Agnostic Front release. Although a typical hardcore song in way of its lyrics, “City Streets” is a furious track that sets the record off into full momentum, leading into the intense “More Than A Memory,” which deploys a fantastic crossover thrash approach. Front man Roger Miret is also back in true form, stepping aside from his more punk styled vocals and delivering a passionate and angry performance that fits right in with the tone of the music. The only real exception to this would be the more punk influenced single and title-track, which is still a fantastic song that gets stuck in your head almost instantly.
While the songs are all rather short, as is the norm with this genre of metal, “My Life, My Way” provides thirteen strong tracks, with each one containing high points that make them immediately memorable. One notable thing about the album that is noticed rather quickly is the guitar solos. The solos on the album are fantastic, short, and by no means overused, which adds a great metal atmosphere over the entire package.
Although the subject is up for debate, “My Life, My Way” is certainly one of the bands’ best releases to date. And for this reviewer, “My Life, My Way” is by far Agnostic Front’s greatest achievement. Everything from the catchy riffs, infectious vocals, guitar solos, and gang chants work perfectly in unison and create an incredible New York Hardcore record. Its official, hardcore is back.
Highs: Thirteen memorable and thrashy New York Hardcore anthems.
Lows: Could have used a few more guitar solos.
Bottom line: Agnostic Front has released in "My Life, My Way" one of the best hardcore albums in decades.
Get more info including news, reviews, interviews, links, etc. on our Agnostic Front band page.
