Reality Denied – … Comes With A Price | EP Review

One of Ontario Hardcore's more popular bands, ...Comes With A Price will only prove why Reality Denied deserve all the love and attention they get.

With substantial time and experience under their belts within the hardcore community in Canada, it’s almost surprising that this is only the third release from Ontario hardcore outfit Reality Denied. Consisting of Conner Gibbs (Vocals), Andy Dmytryshyn & Dillon Frantists (Guitars), Andrew Biancianello (Bass), and Matt Squires (Drums), this hardcore/beatdown powerhouse has remained one of Ontario’s more popular bands in recent years and their new EP …Comes With A Price will only prove why Reality Denied deserve all the love and attention they receive. Full of the heaviest breakdowns, insanely catchy guitar riffs, and possibly some of the best drum work coming out of Ontario right now, this EP will stand among Canada’s best when it comes to heavy music. Co-produced by guitarist Andy Dmytryshyn and Davis Maxwell of School House Studios in Dundas, Ontario; this album will prove to be the bands best work not only in performance but also in writing and production.

Opening the EP is ‘Aint Optin’. Instantly noticeable is the almost lack of thrash influence that was so prevalent on previous releases and opting for a more upfront hardcore and aggressive sound. Don’t be upset if that was what you were into because this is still very much a Reality Denied track with drummer Matt Squires and vocalist Conner Gibbs leading the front with their unique and respective styles throughout the track. Ending this massive opener with bang, drums and guitar align perfectly for one of the craziest hardcore breakdowns this writer has heard come out of Ontario in some time.

Tracks two and three (Nothin’ But Hate/Dollars To The Name) come in with a more fast paced powerviolence style. mixing metalcore riffs with classic hardcore two step to make some of the neatest tracks on the EP. While the track ‘Nothin’ But Hate’ brings the heat and is more than likely to pull in the two steppers and circle pitters, ‘Dollars To The Name’ is for the long time fans. Conner brings out his classic Biohazard influence on vocals that was so prominent on previous releases while the guitar work seems to almost also call back to the bands first EP in style. Also managing to come up with yet another massive breakdown to close this track. the guitars and drum work blend seamlessly on this breakdown to bring probably the catchiest one all record.

Coming in with some heavy caveman riffs is track four ‘RD’D 2 DEATH’. Bringing the listener some heavy riffing coupled with a catchy yet mean vocal display only Reality Denied know how to deliver. This track is ignorant and for the die hard moshers as there is no sense of a break within. “Reality Denied writes hardcore music for people who like to mosh like assholes.” states Conner.  And he is not wrong because this track alone gives off that type of energy.

If the listener thought that could be it, we end the EP on final track ’10 Minutes’. The longest track on the album, it gives off an almost similar vibe to Never Ending Game with a little God’s Hate thrown in the mix. Filled with killer lead guitar parts and plenty of opportunity to circle pit during this track, it helps prove this album has a little something for all hardcore listeners. This album has two step, crowd kill moments, circle pit, everyone bounce, crowd chants, and more. These five tracks will prove to be some of the bands best work, both in music and production and listeners would be silly to think otherwise.