IGNITE “A War Against You” review (by Droll)

IGNITE “A War Against You”
Century Media records

Past year was full of metal, in all its difference of genres and its magnificence. This year started with great album War Against You from Californian punk and melodic-hardcore band Ignite.

Qualitative and virile punk-rock wasn’t heard for a long time. Some icons earned enough money for once-in-five-years releases. Some others played great pop punk, which turned in a time to more “pop” than “punk”. But the guys from Ignite have completely different story.

For a couple of years they played in other bands. Zoli Teglas (vocals) was in Pennywise, Craig Anderson (drums) played in Strife and Brian Balchack (bass) in Nations Afire. Although in 2014 they have joined forces and continued with the live shows, working for a new album’s material in parallel.

It needs to say that their work in other bands was very healthy for Ignite. New album sounds very melodic and virile. Yet it’s still hardcore, but focused on a melody, not an aggressive sound.

Despite the style there is even some kind of lyricism, like the “Descent” and “Work”.

War Against You opens with strident and powerful “Begin Again”, that can be also an anthem and a great gig chant.

Second track “Nothing Can Stop Me” is also will be sounded great in live. Catchy chorus with easy words will be listener’s earworm for a long time. The song was written about band’s friend who battling cancer. Actual issue nowadays.

“You Saved Me” is more punk, than hardcore. Californian melodic punk style with brilliant lyrics.

The central album’s song is “Where I’m From”. It’s all about hard way of immigrants and their children. Zoli Teglas, child of Hungarian immigrants, knows about it much.

“The Suffering” with great bass line is a fine example of band’s creation.

Hidden track will be a good bonus for fans. We will not ruin an intrigue, but this track is good, as a whole album.

Front man Zoli Teglas speak about an album: “It’s about humanity and the sadness that war has always brought and how hard it is to be a bystander, a displaced person, an immigrant. That is ultimately all of us. The war-mongers make a ton of money and everyone else gets to pay to the price.

Well, over twenty years the band not only speaks about injustice and changes necessity, but also help and support such organizations like Earth First, Doctors Without Borders, Sea Shepherd, and Pacific Wildlife. And now, in 2016 they have a lots of thing to say. Loud, with authority.

War Against You will be released in January, 8 by Century Media Records

(c) Droll. Ukrainian version – www.dailymetal.com.ua