Reviews

There is just something about hardcore bands; either they hit it right on the head or they miss and end up being another bland band that doesn't stand out at all. Astpai hit hardcore right on the head with their release Corruption Concealed (Under Deceptive Slogans) and it is a fresh sound in the hardcore scene. The true essence of melodic hardcore is captured in this album; from fast and in your face breaks to catchy and melodic choruses, this album has a perfect amount of hardcore variety to really make it a good listen.

The best part about the album is the fact that basically every track has something new to offer. No track sounds like a carbon copy of any other track, which often becomes the downfall of too many hardcore bands; Astpai has truly created a unique album that starts good and ends hard. Two seperate throaty vocalists add to the diverse sound, making it almost dynamic in essence. Songs such as "Stuck On Repeat" and "Lies And Affection" showcase the true hardcore sound. The album never seems to let up as track after track hit you with relentless hardcore.

This is a good album for anyone who is a fan of From Ashes Rise or Kid Dynamite. It is a surprising release for a somewhat unheard of band from Austria, yet it sounds like an album from a veteran hardcore act that really knows how to write good music. To me, this means that this band is on the verge of becoming huge over here in the states, and will only match their popularity on the other side of the Atlantic. Hopefully they will come stateside to do some shows so that people over here can experience their raw power. A definite album to pick up for any hardcore fan or anyone looking to get into hardcore.