Instilled

Unfinished Business (2004)

Jim

More often than not when it comes to newer hardcore bands playing a more straightforward sound, reviewers talk about what the band doesn't bring to the table, rather than what they do. As much as I'd like to avoid this, as it's something that's becoming more tired with each passing review, it's just unavoidable in some cases. It's funny, because as much as these bands are being accused of being formulaic, a lot of the reviews for their records are also following a similar blueprint. If I had a dollar for every time I've read (or even written) things like "no frills" or "no bullshit" in a review for a straightforward hardcore band, I'd be a very wealthy man.

Instilled doesn't bring a lot of fresh ideas to the table with this record, but what they do bring is some solid metallic hardcore with a great deal of punch. There are plenty of shout-along moments here, and each song keeps a brisk tempo that doesn't leave much room for any lull. For the most part, the average reader has a pretty good idea of whether or not this will interest them. Don't take this as a knock on the band, but there's not a whole lot going on under the surface here; this is a "what you see is what you get" type of band, and as such, there aren't any hidden intricacies to speak of. Everything is on the table from the onset of the disc. While a lot of Unfinished Business seems to be stuck on a continuous thought, the band does the style well enough to keep the listener interested, even if some of the tracks blend together. Although the metallic hardcore label fits the band, don't expect them to sound like Hatebreed or their ilk. Rather, Instilled takes much more from hardcore than they do from metal. The solid production is also a plus, as a flat or dull sound would've made this record a lot less enjoyable

The lyrics are also pretty interesting, and by interesting, or course, I mean they talk about zombies:

When hell is full is, the dead will walk the earth, and for all, for all it's worth we gotta start crackin' zombie bones.

While I'm sure the guys in this band are pretty tough, zombies are nothing to fuck with, and such a statement shouldn't be taken lightly.

In the end, Instilled obviously aren't going to be a huge crossover success that redefines the boundaries of what is or isn't hardcore, but I don't think they care about that. If they set out to make a solid record of metallic hardcore that will get people's fists in the air and have kids chanting along at shows, then they more than accomplished their goal. Although there isn't anything truly remarkable about this disc, if you take it for what it is, it is a fun listen.