Regardless of the eleven years since the last album, Stone Cold Anger picks up where Voice of Rebellion stopped. Oceans of Blood opens the record with a reminder that their time away has not blunted their cutting edge. Full of rage and ire, this is Pro-Pain at their crossover best; metal and NYHC meet in ground usually occupied by the likes of Biohazard, fat guitars, breakdowns and spat vocals is a fine way to begin.
More of those hardcore crossover elements are combined with a big chorus and a social conscience on the punchy and brooding March of the Giants, with the short, sharp Scorched Earth being the album’s most NYHC moment, through two-steppin’ rhythms and gang vocals.
Never afraid to get their hands mucky, Pro-Pain get down in the dirt for the brutal trio of Demonic Intervention, Rinse & Repeat and Hell or High Water, which are made around solid chugging guitars, bouncing bass strings and stomping rhythms. Even though they may be short of blistering pace, there is nothing sweet and kindly about these three, as they spit their abrasive messages with the uncompromising delivery of a punishment beating.
Stone Cold Anger isn’t all darkness and despair, as there are lighter moments available: the title-track leads the way for accessibility and a groove-laden riff, powerful and approachable, with a surprisingly hooky melody, even Gary’s barks are clean. Uncle Sam Wants You leaves the hardcore behind completely and goes for a more Rock & Roll vibe and a powerful political message. Jonestown Punch comes with an up-tempo two-step, before turning mean and moody, and album closer, Sky’s the Limit is, oddly, a bright and happy, clap-a-long, singalong song that I was not expecting and is not something I come to Pro-Pain for. Kudos to the band for trying something different; it’s commercial and accessible and has something of a positive punk vibe about it.
Maybe not the first name to conjure when considering the vast spectrum that is New York Hardcore, but Pro-Pain have been going about their business with a ruthless efficiency since the days of Grunge. Sixteen records in and they show no sign of running out of steam; he’s hoping for a few more UK dates on the forthcoming tour.
