Cornered/Backfire!

Split (2016)

Maximillian Power

European hardcore has been represented by some impressive

releases so far in 2016, and the Cornered and Backfire! split 7" is another solid

release to add to that growing list. While this 7” is quite short, clocking in

at less than 5 minutes in length, it still packs a hefty punch.

Cornered have continued to push themselves with this

impressive metallic tinged hardcore track. With thrash influenced guitar chugs,

creepy leads and heavy breakdowns; “Time Has Come” will get mosh fans moving.

“Time Has Come” has a slightly more Cleveland vibe to it with clear Integrity

and Ringworm influences, although vocalist Niels keeps it from becoming worship

with his clear shouted vocals. The vocals on this track sound quite similar to Death

Threat, but feature a cleaner delivery, which helps to push this song as the

stronger of the two on this split.

Backfire!, who are fellow Dutch hardcore mainstays have had

a long and impressive career. Since forming in the early nineties they have

toured with countless legendary hardcore bands including Madball, and Warzone,

and it shows in “Mosh Minable”. The Backfire! offering has a more straightforward

old school hardcore vibe. It is angry, fast and straight to the point. While I

prefer the style of Cornered slightly more so than Backfire!, “Mosh Minable” is

still pissed off European hardcore with the credentials to back up the attitude.

I do typically prefer to have at least two

tracks per band on a split 7”, especially considering how short both of the

songs are I think more would have been gained with a second song from each

band. Despite the extremely brief duration of this 7” both bands have offered

up very capable and solid hardcore songs. I think the combination of the two

bands compliment each other nicely. This release has succeeded in increasing my

anticipation for Cornered’s upcoming full length