August 2026 Featured Release - The Revolution Edition

So just like that we find that a new month is upon us which of course means that we’ll be nominating a brand new monthly feature release for each clan. This essentially means that we’re asking you to rate, review & discuss our chosen features for no other reason than because we enjoy the process & banter. We’re really looking forward to hearing your thoughts on our chosen releases so don’t be shy.

This month's feature release for The Revolution, nominated by me (Shadowdoom9 (Andi)), is the earliest release of the clan, the 1990 debut album by New Jersey-based hardcore/metalcore pioneers Rorschach, Remain Sedate. This month I've decided to nominate the first ever releases of their respective genres, and Rorschach's debut would bring a rebellious future to mankind. If you enjoy the revolutionary sound of metalcore, Rorschach is the band to thank!

https://metal.academy/releases/3130

Here's my review summary:

After the decadent 80s when metal and hardcore were two separate sides, the despondent 90s was when both genres have been united. Vocalist Charles Maggio had to fight his own battles when keeping together 3 jobs; his time in the band, being an accountant, and a father of twins, with all of that energy put into making a real scene-changer. Rorschach has made the perfect stylistic formula for the most brutal hardcore at that time, transcending into a new style they wanted to invent. This is a relentless D-beat-inspired assault of crushing riffs and tormented screams like nothing before! Right from the opener, the album blasts out into metalcore fury right from its very creation. Everything is put together well in chaotic dissonance. The slithering bass and jackhammering drums share the stage with the guitars and vocals. This raw formation of a new sound while channeling their own horrors is kind of what Black Sabbath had done when inventing heavy metal. Like Sabbath, Rorschach was a will-testing pioneer of something new. With this perfect offering, metalcore was born!

5/5

Recommended tracks: "Pavlov's Dogs", "In the Year of Our Lord", "Impressions", "Lightning Strikes Twice", "No One Dies Alone", "Oppress"

For fans of: early Converge, Integrity, Snapcase

I'm a big fan of Rorschach's 1993 follow-up album "Protestant" (4/5) but have never explored their other material. I'll make a note for a rainy day.