It's funny how some people have managed to insert Hardcore into the "Metal" category, especially when it isn't Metal. Okay, granted it does have a harder edge to it and much of it has Metal-sounding elements, but let's just keep in mind that Hardcore is NOT Metal! Alright, so with that out of the way, we can safely agree that Hardcore's east coast roots (predominantly New York) influenced many in the '80s, with bands like MADBALL, EARTH CRISIS, LIFE OF AGONY and SICK OF IT ALL being among the first bands to play it in its purest form. In recent years, we've seen newer acts such as HATEBREED (also from the United States) making names for themselves and have been quite successful in doing so.

Holland's BORN FROM PAIN are a perfect example of a band outside the United States who have done a good job at following the code strictly, playing Hardcore music the way it is supposed to be played - heavy, raw and no-holds-barred. Nearly ten years on the scene, BORN FROM PAIN are still going strong and have just released a new album, "Survival", which is an appropriate title for the times. They obviously have a passion for what they do and you can hear it in the music. As its title suggests, "Survival" takes on the subject of the current state of the world, a changing world in which the global community as a whole is facing great challenges. The lyrics in opening track "Sound Of Survival" paint the theme for the album: "This is the sound of survival, this is the sound of the truth, this is your world coming down on you."

"State Of Mind" is a pretty catchy tune, with some great head-banging beats to get you pumped up. A bit repetitive, but hey - this is Hardcore right? "The Wolves Are Loose" starts out with more Metal-sounding guitar riffs (pretty crafty actually) before heading straight into a fast-paced barrage of brutality. It's unclear who is speaking in the intro of "Final Collapse", but the song itself is a bit slow. No worries though - "Endgame" cranks up the speed as does "Zeitgeist". If the band weren't already sounding pissed off, they really let out their anger in "Zero Hour" with guns firing from all directions. Great stuff.

In an age where the world is facing a lot of crises (more recently economic uncertainty and terror attacks), BORN FROM PAIN have channeled their creative avenues accordingly and have produced a pretty decent slab of their brand of Hardcore/Metalcore. They're not trying to be something they are not (ie: a Death Metal band), which makes it easier to take their music seriously. It's not an absolute must-have by any means, but if you're in the mood for some good Hardcore, "Survival" would be a good choice.