The Red Chord

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The Red Chord has been plowing through the metal scene since its 2002 debut Fused Together in Revolving Doors. Representing Worcester, Massachusetts aggressively with punishing rhythms, stop-start dynamics, and a grinding version of the metalcore sound, the band focuses more on the seedier side of humanity with stark pessimistic insight that operates as a musical sociocultural commentary. Fed Through the Teeth Machine, the band’s fourth full-length release, showcases its recklessly unpredictable intensity that crushes as much as it compels, proving no different. “Demoralizer” kicks things off with rapid-fire drumming and guitar work that ranges from a traditional pummel to meandering prog-metal riffs. This is a constant trend with the Red Chord, as this clashing of angry urgency with experimental bridge segments, as demonstrated by “Hymns and Crippled Anthems” and “Floating Through the Vein”. Whether it’s with the slow churning of “Mouthful of Precious Stones” or the Scandinavian leanings of “Hour of Rats”, the Red Chord uses tension to create a powerful sense of loosing control, but it’s always reined in with extreme technical precision just before total chaos. Fed Through the Teeth Machine is a well-executed, mature, and utterly mosh-worthy release, a great example of how to remain true to metal roots without becoming trapped inside them.

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