AlbumsNovember 29, 201114,588 views

The Warriors War Is Hell


War Is Hell
01. Slings and Arrows 02. The Cure 03. Red, Black, and Blue 04. Set the Stage MP3 05. Ripped to the Bone 06. Tightrope 07. Transistor 08. War is Hell 09. Intro 10. Scene Celebrity
2004 Eulogy Recordings
Our score 7

11/24/2004

This is one of the most difficult reviews that I've written for Lambgoat, because it's one of the first where I've felt a conflict of interest. On a personal level, when I don't like a record, then I'm not going to give a great review, because that's all a review is, a writer's opinion. On the other hand, just because I don't like a record, doesn't mean that I can't point out its good aspects. I'm definitely not a fan of "War is Hell," which is The Warriors' debut full-length, but this band has got some good things going on, and that's where I'm going to direct my focus. I like when hardcore bands inject some sincere creativity into the sound, while still remaining true to the general ideal of hardcore. This is exactly what I feel like The Warriors have done, and they've done it well. Their promotion sheet states their hardcore sound draws influence from Refused, Sick of It All, Cro-Mags, and Inside Out. Well, I'll definitely agree with the Inside Out and Sick of It All references. There are a few other influences going on here, but I can't quite put a finger on them, which is fine with me. The Warriors' sound crosses over some lines in hardcore, but these guys make their transitions smooth as silk. I can hear some big Sick of It All grooves going on in the majority of the songs, which could also be compared to Madball. Either way, you want to hear it, I'm sure this particular sound makes for a great live show. There are also some more "new-school" hardcore parts in the vein of Hatebreed or Throwdown, which I don't really like, but it never sounds out of place. There are plenty of great sing-a-longs, and two-step grooves for the average hardcore kid to latch onto. Vocalist, Marshall Licthenwaldt, does draw a good bit of influence from ex-Inside Out vocalist Zach de la Rocha. However, this influence isn't to the point of being a carbon copy. I think his dynamic vocal delivery adds a creative element to this band's sound, which lets you know that, as a vocalist, he's doing something right. I really enjoy the production of "War is Hell," because everything sounds so massive, but extremely natural. You could tell me these guys just have killer equipment and recorded this album live, and I might believe you. The guitar tones are especially thick and heavy. Bottom Line: I personally just can't get into this record, but that's just a matter of personal taste. I think a bigger fan of hardcore than myself would enjoy the different, and creative aspects that The Warriors bring to their sound. No matter if you get into this band or not, you should be able to appreciate the fact that they are making a great effort to keep hardcore from going stagnant.

24 comments

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canwestartagain_ 11/24/2004 4:17:42 PM

ummm excuse me, i believe this album deserves a 9

littlemac_ 11/24/2004 4:28:00 PM

so basically, you don't like the record because you don't like the style of music. and you have a number of other positive things to say about the record, which stand out so much that someone who is not a fan of the music can still notice them. so why give the record a f*cking 6 then? this is one of the two or three worst reviews i've ever read on this website. absolutely awful. "i'm going to give the record a 6 and offer something to 'counter' the positive-buzz/hype on this band (probabl

alex_ 11/24/2004 5:31:08 PM

actually, he did give the album a 7 (not that that will appease you), but i f*cked up

bc_ 11/24/2004 6:15:02 PM

waaa waaa youre all babies. opinions are opinions. let them be that way. if you hold these reviews you dont agree with so close to your heart, do me a favor and slice your f*cking throats. ill say it again, opinions are opinions. my opinion this should get a 5. why? cause i dont like this style of hardcore. deal with it gays.

yousuck_ 11/24/2004 6:22:45 PM

i would give it a 9/10 its my fav hardcore album of the year i dont see how he sounds like zach de la rocha though

Ken Wregget_ 11/24/2004 6:34:35 PM

There are many more influences than SOIA, Madball, and Inside Out who were all high profile hardcore bands of the last 10 years...increase your knowledge base, then you will really be able to put your finger on their sound.

a_new_religion_ 11/24/2004 6:41:11 PM

give it another 2 points for the rapping

littlemac_ 11/24/2004 7:22:27 PM

you're taking yourself a little too seriously if you think i "hold this review" close to my heart. i just know bands work hard as f*ck, lambgoat is a major potential promotional tool to get a word out on a band, and most of all - i like to argue and get pissed when i see undeserved shit. i can totally live with 7, it's not like this band is my favorite or anything. but it is one of the fresher hardcore releases i've heard over the past few years, and i thought the review did not at all reflec

Jimmy_ 11/24/2004 8:16:39 PM

i think the warriors stink

Jhonn_ 11/24/2004 10:07:56 PM

While I personally would give this an 8 or 9 (this thing has been in my current CD rotation for a long time), I think it is great that Rob could be unbiased enough to point out the positives in this album. It's better than ignoring them and trashing it despite all the good points...

Cristian Loza_ 11/24/2004 10:45:37 PM

This dude has the right to post his opinion on his site. DO I agree with no? NO... but who cares. I MYSELF BELIEVE that this record is one of the best cd's of the year. I would of gave it a 10/10... but thats me.

dutchstep_ 11/25/2004 1:49:51 AM

awesome movie, gay band. i'm gonna post some of the best the warriors quotes. "why'd you do it?! why'd you waste cyrus?" "no reason. . . i just like doing things like that." ----------- "what's a matter? you goin' gay on me?!" ------------ "warriors! come out and playaayeeee"

Cory_ 11/25/2004 5:02:28 AM

1. I really like this record. 2. I think the score is entirely accurate. 3. I think all the points made, both positive and negative are fair. 4. There is a distinct Zack De La Rocha influence happening here. 5. Despite our apparent difference of opinion on this style of hardcore, Rob continues to be one of my favorite Lambgoat reviewers and this review is just another reason why.

dogmatic_ 11/25/2004 11:24:33 AM

i dind't think much of this band at first, but i bought the full length and i really like it. reminds me of progression-era snapcase at some points.

Alex (not the webmaster)_ 11/25/2004 11:28:36 AM

opinions jerk thats the whole point. Opinions. Nothing more. If you dont like it start your own band and start your own webzine. Make a difference.

dustin PwD_ 11/26/2004 2:30:31 AM

THIS CD f*ckING ROCKS AND THE WARRIORS HOLD IT DOWN LIVE ... IT WAS COOL CHILLEN AND BLAZIN WITH U GUYS ... COME TO CHILL AGAIN-DUSTIN

seasnake_ 11/30/2004 12:49:38 PM

how can you not get into this...seriously?

thehopeisdead_ 12/1/2004 1:25:54 PM

quite a good cd. 10 in my book.

deyson shaw_ 12/16/2004 10:52:42 PM

some of you guys talkin shit about this band should see them live. They definantly put on one of the best shows I've ever seen.

Brian Cook_ 1/20/2005 11:51:12 PM

the influence youre looking for is snapcase..DUH

asldfjaf_ 1/26/2005 8:21:34 PM

just btw, the warriors didn't get their name from the movie

xjavix_ 4/25/2005 1:57:28 PM

well this band does a pretty rad cover song from rage against the machine. best f*cken sing along would be "my life, my pride"

the warrior_ 8/22/2005 5:20:59 PM

only heard two songs and i like what i hear. gonna see em wednesday with ma boys in summer's end.

gfsdgsfgd_ 1/26/2006 9:53:06 AM

horrid revew