In the alternative metal and hardcore fields, bands come and go. Keeping a band together can be an uphill climb -- the music industry isn't for the faint of heart -- and it isn't uncommon for alt metal and hardcore combos to break up after only one or two albums. But
Pro-Pain has been impressively durable. 2004 marked the band's 12th anniversary, and
Pro-Pain celebrates that anniversary with the uncompromising
Fistful of Hate. Anyone who expects the New Yorkers to soften their blows will be disappointed; with
Fistful of Hate, they offer another dose of harsh, angry, pummeling alt metal/hardcore venom. This 2004 release doesn't point
Pro-Pain in any new directions, and the disc is unlikely to win over anyone who isn't already a fan of their hammer-to-the-skull approach. But in terms of being focused and inspired,
Fistful of Hate is a winner -- and it certainly won't make diehard followers think any less of them. So why does
Pro-Pain's small but enthusiastic cult following continue to hold them in such high regard? The bottom line is that
Pro-Pain is superior to a lot of the competition. There is no shortage of headbangers putting out this type of mosh music in the 21st century, but
Fistful of Hate underscores the fact that
Pro-Pain's seemingly tireless members are doing it with much more feeling and conviction -- their hooks are sharper, their writing is crisper, their lyrics are more memorable. That said,
Fistful of Hate falls short of essential; for someone who already has several
Pro-Pain CD's in his/her collection, owning this one isn't absolutely necessary. But again,
Pro-Pain's admirers are an enthusiastic bunch, and they will find that
Fistful of Hate -- although not quite essential -- is certainly a solid and heartfelt addition to their catalog.
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Alex Henderson, Rovi