RINGWORM

Seeing Through Fire (Nuclear Blast)

One of the first graduates from the Cleveland hardcore scene of the early 90s and with a singer memorably nicknamed ‘The Human Furnace’, Ringworm have always been a major force to contend with in the realm of metallic hardcore, with every album building on the intensity of its predecessor. The last 10 years or so have seen them lean more towards the thrash metal side of things, with more head-nodding riffs and shrieking solos creeping their way in, but the rage has never subsided and Seeing Through Fire ranks as one of the most ferocious albums they’ve ever put out.

As the 11-song album charges along at a searing pace, it demands that you take notice, all the while Mr Furnace’s vicious vocals threatening to jump out of the speaker and strangle you. Ringworm have been in this game for 35 years now and there are still very few who do it better.

words CHRIS ANDREWS