Review by MartinDavey87 for downset. - downset. (1994)

‘Downset’ is the debut album by American hardcore punk band, Downset. Released in 1994, this is a hard-hitting, no-holds-barred blend of metal and rapping, relentlessly throwing verbal bombs at the establishment, the justice system and society. 

Musically, this is pretty simple stuff, with lots of heavy, grooving guitar riffs and aggressive rapping and shouting, all the songs stick to this simple formula. The production gives it a rough and gritty sound which suits the music, and all songs maintain a high energy throughout the entire album. Meanwhile, vocalist Rey Anthony Oropeza spits out absolute hatred and hostility with lines such as “physical rape is psychological murder”. 

Overall, this album is nothing overly remarkable, but its short duration makes it easy to digest and doesn’t give any time to bore the listener. With highlights including tracks like ‘Anger’, ‘Ritual’, ‘Take ‘Em Out’, ‘ Downset’ and ‘Breed the Killer’, and along with its visually striking artwork, ‘Downset’ is an auspicious debut, and certainly shows a lot of potential for this band.