Portland, Oregon should be familiar thanks to heavy hitters such as Poison Idea and The Wipers. Fast forward to 2025 and the city's latest export is Stress Test, a covid era formed band comprising of Bassist/Vocalist Brandon Hill (Unto Others), Colin Vranizan (Unto Others) – Drums, Dylan Morris (Iron Scepter/ex-Drouth) - Bass and Adam Jennings on Guitar.
This S/T effort marks their debut full-length, their only prior output being 2024's 'Bastard Behaviour' and 'Suffer' singles. The Unto Others connection continues yet further with production/mixing from Gabe Johnston and mastering by Brad Boatright (Obituary, Integrity). The record is being released by Transylvanian Recordings, responsible for some fantastic records by False Figure, Chrome Ghost and Ghorot, while Matt Stikker's artwork is not overly dissimilar to that which could be found gracing the covers of Dystopia and Napalm Death.
'Boiling Point' not to be confused with the classic SSD track of the same name, is a spoken word piece featuring news samples of numerous domestic and global catastrophes happening simultaneously. There's not much to say about it other than it helps build up a sense of tension and anticipation for the music to come. 'Degrees of Violence' from the off recalls the ripping Metallic Hardcore of Cleveland veterans Ringworm (Human Furnace Vocals in tow), particularly their post 1999 reunion output such as Justice Replaced By Revenge, twenty nine seconds of beautifully condensed frustration and rage. Regarding 'Coward' and its breakneck Thrash stylings, names such as Exodus may arise, indeed its such an audible thrill that it recalls that band's best eras with Rob Dukes and the late, great Paul Baloff as opposed to the goofier 'Zetro' led periods. The Thrash attack continues on 'Eternal Bliss' but this time its Metallica around the time of Kill 'Em All with a little crossover S.O.D. sprinkled liberally into the mix especially on 1999's overlooked Bigger Than The Devil, pop in a little Black Metal and you have a truly immense track.
If Brutal Truth's Need to Control gets your juices flowing then 'It Isn't Real' is the track for you, an album which had a definite Hardcore tinge to it and as is the case on this spectacular piece. At over three minutes, 'Suffer' is the longest track on the album whose mostly groove laden approach hints at a Pantera influence, especially the dynamic riffs of the late Dimebag Darrell. The Texan quartet always had a Punkier side to them and one which is reflected very effectively here. Power Trip was mentioned in the promotional notes and there's certainly shades of that band on 'Bastard Behaviour', one can also discern the 'Tough Guy' Hardcore/Metalcore of Merauder, especially 'Master Killer'. A bruising yet captivating listen.
'God Sucks' is pure Napalm Death From Enslavement to Obliteration (a personal favourite of mine) Grindcore savagery but with infinitely better production and 'Gullible' incorporates a good deal more melody into the mix with some stellar soloing ala Iron Maiden and messers Smith, Jers and Murray. If even someone like myself with no great love for the NWOBHM giants can appreciate it then you're know you've produced something special. 'Stress Test' should scratch an itch for Slayer fans who have been craving the wildly chaotic Guitar work of King and Hanneman and Drumming evocative of Dave Lombardo's 'Heal Up' double kick method. Finally 'Something Rather Than Nothing' brilliantly concludes the album in an apocalyptic fashion as highlighted by Megadeth on Peace Sells...But Who's Buying?
Stress Test effortlessly melds together multiple extreme genres in a continuation of the groundwork first laid down by bands such as D.R.I. Highly recommended.
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