CoC : No Innocent Victim - Flesh and Blood : Review

No Innocent Victim - _Flesh and Blood_
(Victory, 1999)
by: Alex Cantwell (9 out of 10)

In a simple explanation, this is straight up new skool hardcore done right. Victory has done a good thing in signing these guys who began their recording career with Rescue Records. No Innocent Victim take the style that Sick of it All pioneered and make it heavier and punchier. I suppose that the punchiness is due to the production and engineering of Little Rock, Arkansas' very capable Barry Poynter. The heaviness is completely due to the band, though -- after several tours and two previous albums, they are getting more experienced and mo' betta. The song structures are completely tight, and you had better believe that they pull it off live, as I have witnessed this also. Many bands are succeeding at this whole new school hardcore game, fusing metal with hardcore energy and ideologies, but few can do it with the conviction that these guys can. _Flesh and Blood_ is twelve great songs of uncompromising fury and rage -- some of it aimed confrontationally at themselves, and some of it aimed towards those who would persecute them and their integrity. Positive energy ensues with the touch of the play button -- are you going to connect to it?

Contact: Victory Records, PO Box 146546, Chicago, IL 60614 USA

(article published 7/7/1999)