Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Vision of Disorder - The Cursed Remain Cursed (2012)

It was during the late 90s when two separate scenes, metal and hardcore, began to coexist with more than just a few bands. And one band that helped the genre out was Vision of Disorder. Their sound can cause violence and fury in the moshpits. And if one other New York hardcore band can bring metal into the scene, that band is Strife. Vision of Disorder disbanded in 2002 due to lack of support from record labels, and the members formed other bands including Bloodsimple.

After some reunion shows, the band returned with their new album The Cursed Remain Cursed! They brought back the metalcore/hardcore of their late 90s material, and while the alt-metal of From Bliss to Devastation is still around, you won't find many grungy elements here.

This is especially proven in the opening track "Loveless". A riff-storm accompanies Tim Williams' sharp growls and smooth cleans. It's good to have their earlier hardcore roots back! "Set to Fail" has intense touches of groove/thrash, and the chorus consists of the song title chanted fiercely. It leads to "Blood Red Sun", which is probably the f***ing best song here. The vocals, guitars, bass, and drumming are all filled with rage, especially in the riffing and screams. The cleans also add to the brilliance.

Lots of great riffing in "Hard Times" too! "Annihilator" alternates between audible bass and f***ing violent riffing. This also happens in "Skullz Out (Rot in Pieces)" albeit starting with the grunge-ish sound of their previous album. "The Enemy" is another aggressive banger.

"The Seventh Circle" adds a little more groove to their hardcore, reminding some of Coliseum. In saying that, Vision of Disorder still have uniqueness in their alt-metalcore aggression. Even at just 4 minutes, they can unleash all their furious power from their riffing just like that. "New Order of Ages" continues that as another prime example. Same with "Be Up On It" which is quite heavy and leaning into beatdown. "Heart and Soul" is one more hardcore gem, only slowing down for a soft bridge.

The Cursed Remain Cursed is an amazing comeback for Vision of Disorder, proving that they're still relevant to the metal/hardcore scene. So if you're in the mood for some alt-metalcore fury, just put this album on and witness it all!

Favorites: "Loveless", "Blood Red Sun", "Annihilator", "The Seventh Circle", "New Order of Ages", "Heart and Soul"