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The Real O.C.
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The Real O.C."Vendetta" Solidifies Throwdown's Sound Lineup
2005-07-13
Article Written by: Joe Holzer
Orange County's finest hardcore act returns with a veangence on their second Trustkill Records release, Vendetta. In the time since 2003's "Haymaker," Throwdown has toured nearly non-stop, decimating venues in their wake. During this endeavor, Vendetta was born.
Not only has Throwdown decided to pull the plug on its carousel of members dating back to its inception in 1997, but they have also added a sheet or two of metal to their crunching assault. Vendetta is an even more mature outing than prior efforts, with the band's agenda to not conform to trends. Frontman Dave Peters is also more versatile with his rabid barks, showing growth himself.
Vendetta is bookended by two appropriately titled tracks, opening with "We Will Rise" and closing with the equally neck-breaking "This Is Where It Ends." A whirlwind of emotions are emitted throughout, from anger to loyalty to self-respect. "Discipline" is a Panteraesque ode to the band's alcohol- and drug-free lifestyle, with Peters never coming across preachy or self-righteous. He later volleys vicious vocals with Howard Jones (Killswitch Engage, Blood Has Been Shed)over a swooning guitar on "The World Behind."
The true gem on Vendetta is "Annihilation," which at almost six minutes long is hardly a hardcore track. Welcoming a New World Disorder, "Annihilation" may be what Throwdown has evolved into.
Throwdown seems to have finally created enough cohesion to dismiss themselves as a novelty act. With the relentless Vendetta, the California quartet has muscled their way into the mix with hardcore and metal's heavyweights.
A limited edition Vendetta is also available with a DVD.
Dig "Vendetta?" Cop these: Bury Your Dead, "Cover Your Tracks" Hatebreed, "The Rise of Brutality" Killswitch Engage, "The End of Heartache"
Also available by Throwdown: "Haymaker," Trustkill Records (2003)
