Is it just me, or does that cover art look like it came straight out of The Seventh Seal? You know I’m a citizen of the world, but you can always hit me in the home department and gain an advantage. Scare is a band that, from the get-go, lets us know it cares little about our petty opinions. That’s the real Punk/Hardcore spirit running through In The End, Was It Worth It? Also, probably the title of your last breakup. Anyway, you’re here to find out if this scary-looking album is worth your precious toilet break time.
ANGER!!! In case I didn’t make myself clear, this album is out for vengeance—and with plenty of attitude. But relax, there’s nothing overly edgy here. If anything, Scare has crafted something with depth, yet still feels like getting drunk and passing out over a public toilet seat (like you do at most gigs—don’t deny it! We’re all friends here). And beyond all the Sludge and Hardcore, the old-school Swedish Death Metal influence is undeniable. However, I’m pleased to say this isn’t just another Entombed tribute album. It has its own identity.
If I had to dissect the album like a frog, I’d say: take a Post-Punk singer, Crust or Black Metal drums, and Death Metal guitar and bass (I really went overboard with the labels today). You’d end up with something that isn’t new in the slightest, yet still keeps you wondering what exactly it’s aiming for. And that’s okay. The tracks are short and stacked with violent ideas—except for the closing track, where we get something close to a break. Notice I said close. It’ll still make your grandma sick. You’re already lost to Satan in her eyes anyway.
Even though Scare isn’t usually my kind of band, this is one of those albums I’d put on when I want something that sounds like Metal but carries a completely different spirit—one with just as many mental struggles, too. There’s nothing particularly wrong with the album; you just need to be the kind of person who enjoys short, direct music that mostly sticks to one or two ideas: anger and release. And that’s all fun, but if you’re expecting some complicated postmodern work, you’ll have to look elsewhere (I’d recommend old Anopheli, but that’s just me!).
In the end, this was a blast that took me back to simpler, more anxious times. That’s always welcome in my stable and safe academic life. Bring back that nihilist rush! And if it comes in this compact and digestible version, even better. We live in strange and confusing times, so why not enjoy strange and confusing music? What’s the worst that could happen? That we get hooked on the chaos? That doesn’t sound so bad right now!
Label: Self-Released?
Release date: February 22, 2025
Website:https://scareqc.bandcamp.com
Country: Canada
Score: 3.2/5.0 for those of you who want to roll in the mud
Metal Eclipse Reviews 