Never Ending Game – Outcry | Release Review

Obtusely aggressive while upholding a sound that would, at times, be considered beautiful by some. Displaying nothing but absolute raw emotion only fitting for Detroit Hardcore. This is the new record from Never Ending Game.

With the amount of amazing releases in the metal world this year alone so far, it would be hard to believe anything can top the ranks at this point. There can’t possibly be anymore good hardcore for the rest of the year, surely. Alas, Triple B Records is here to prove why that is utter hogwash. Detroit Hardcore unit Never Ending Game has stepped up to the plate managing one of the biggest hardcore records of the year with their newest release Outcry. Displaying nothing but absolute raw emotion every step of the way, only fitting for the Detroit Hardcore scene. With this latest release, Never Ending Game puts it all on the table, showing why they live, breath, and die for the Motor City.

Opening track, also title track, ‘Outcry’ is starts the album with classic old school hardcore influence any metal fan of any age can get behind. Blasting through this track from start to finish with pounding drums backed by a chunky and hard string section, it sets the tone for what is to be expected of this record for sure. Or so the listener will think because as they manage to get through the first few tracks, this record manages to surprise left and right.

As the listener manages to get through the chaos that is single ‘Never Die’ and track three ‘Down There With You’, one would think there might be some kind of break here. As would be the case with a decent amount of records nowadays. But nope. Never Ending Game aren’t messing around and didn’t come to play games with fourth track and final single on the record ‘Hate Today… Die Tomorrow’. Three and a half minutes long and probably one of the heavier tracks on the album, this one doesn’t play around. Fast paced and kind of bouncy throughout majority of the track; that is until the breakdown that closes out the track. Absolutely relentless the entire time, it should be considered a crime if they play this song live or at the very least a liability as pit goers will be in instant danger the moment it hits.

Getting over halfway through this record, it’s plainly obvious how serious and influential this record is going to be for the future of hardcore. Tracks seven all the way to ten manage to keep pace with the other tracks on this album giving the listener a plethora of new material to practice mosh moves to in the driveway. Out of nowhere, finishing the record off however, is the final track and closer ‘Something Wrong’. Keeping to the very obvious Detroit sound the band are so proud of and pumped out track after track, somehow they also managed something that’s catchy, ensnaring and yet still effortlessly pulverising. Soaring lead guitar, and some amazing vocal work, this song is almost destined to hit the legend status some of their evident pioneers sat at – and then some. Strangely out of place, but exactly what die hard fans are going to love.

In all, Outcry is truly one of those records that scene arbiters will herald as a landmark moment in the coming years. Sticking true to the blueprint and ethos of their inspirations yet unique in it’s respectful right, with this record Never Ending Game have forged a record that’s imposting as the reputation of Detroit this self.