Rival Pack - Burn
Release Date: June 20th, 2025
Thrash Out Records
Rival Pack is a modern sounding hardcore band from the Netherlands. Instead of the classic punk-infused sounds of hardcore akin to a band such as D.O.A., Rival Pack are an example of what the sound evolved into in the late 1990's and early 2000's. "Burn" is the debut album from this ferocious, yet uplifting band. On this release the band hoped to convey a sense of hope and perseverance in the face of the struggles we all face. They stated, "We want to inspire, to motivate, and to remind people — especially in their darkest moments — that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.” In a world constantly brought down with the weight of negativity, a bit of light to overcome the shadows is needed now and then.
Rival Pack was born out of the ashes of such bands as, Bound In Blood, All Heads Rise, and For I Am King. In 2019 the drummer Luc and vocalist Kevin wanted to make music again and reunited with their former band members. With Kevin's brother Perry on guitar, Merijn on guitar and Barry on bass they released their debut single and video, "No One Else". In this video Kevin's martial arts skills were on display. It should be noted that he also works as a professional stunt-fighter choreographer.
"Burn" begins with the track "Facing Fire". It is a short song at 1:45 and doesn't waste time moving between ideas to retain a listeners interest. It is a beast of a song that pummels viciously with untamed aggression. My favorite part of the song is toward the end when the band picks up the speed with an almost death metal delivery. The 2nd song, "Closing In" doesn't relent, it does though seem to incorporate more traditional breaks in the riffs the genre is known for. On "Too Strong" the speed is back again right off the top. This song features some subtle thrash metal guitar work interlaced throughout their ideas. Though my knowledge of the genre is limited, I can attest to Rival Pack's ability to keep their songs fresh and engrossing. The fourth track, "Killer In The Pack" starts off slower and then picks back up with intensity. I hear this song as an excellent one for live performance. There is an energy to the song and enough twists present to retain its intended force. My favorite part of the song is around the 2:48 mark when the music kicks pack in after a short interlude. Next, "Burn" keeps the momentum going reminding you that Rival Pack still has you within its grip. Again, there is a mid-paced beginning before things evolve some at the :43 mark. An almost punk sound is then heard at the 1:00 spot before returning to the more modern hardcore sound that they harbor. This song would also be a definite pit pleaser. "Free From Pain" is catchy song with subtle breakdowns interwoven between the punkish chord movements. The breakdowns are tasteful though and not overused. Up next, "Untold" has a small amount of dual guitar work that stand out for me. A neat example is at the 2:12 spot within the song right before the end. Barry, the bassist, starts off "Don't Waste My Time". From there the song turns again to a catchy yet hammering punishment. The 1:17 mark in the song easily gets the blood pumping when the feel of the track is elevated. It comes down then at 2:08 to a rhythmic onslaught and eventually a galloping guitar riff to finish the song off. "Death and The City" is a solid continuation of everything this band aims to be. It is very energizing in its feel and exists with obvious purpose and strength. The last track, "No One Else" is a potent accumulation of what makes Rival Pack a strong and powerful representation of the genre. Right off the top it is a full force battery of furious vitality. Where the song leads you at the 3:17 spot to the end after the break could possibly encourage things to be broken.
Coming from a person that normally prefers other forms of metal above this, I can attest to the greatness of Rival Pack. They revive a sense of genuine urgent emotion that is sometimes lost in music for me. They are polished and skillful in their craft and deserve your attention.
www.facebook.com/Rivalpackhc/
rivalpackhc.nl/
Release Date: June 20th, 2025
Thrash Out Records
Rival Pack is a modern sounding hardcore band from the Netherlands. Instead of the classic punk-infused sounds of hardcore akin to a band such as D.O.A., Rival Pack are an example of what the sound evolved into in the late 1990's and early 2000's. "Burn" is the debut album from this ferocious, yet uplifting band. On this release the band hoped to convey a sense of hope and perseverance in the face of the struggles we all face. They stated, "We want to inspire, to motivate, and to remind people — especially in their darkest moments — that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.” In a world constantly brought down with the weight of negativity, a bit of light to overcome the shadows is needed now and then.
Rival Pack was born out of the ashes of such bands as, Bound In Blood, All Heads Rise, and For I Am King. In 2019 the drummer Luc and vocalist Kevin wanted to make music again and reunited with their former band members. With Kevin's brother Perry on guitar, Merijn on guitar and Barry on bass they released their debut single and video, "No One Else". In this video Kevin's martial arts skills were on display. It should be noted that he also works as a professional stunt-fighter choreographer.
"Burn" begins with the track "Facing Fire". It is a short song at 1:45 and doesn't waste time moving between ideas to retain a listeners interest. It is a beast of a song that pummels viciously with untamed aggression. My favorite part of the song is toward the end when the band picks up the speed with an almost death metal delivery. The 2nd song, "Closing In" doesn't relent, it does though seem to incorporate more traditional breaks in the riffs the genre is known for. On "Too Strong" the speed is back again right off the top. This song features some subtle thrash metal guitar work interlaced throughout their ideas. Though my knowledge of the genre is limited, I can attest to Rival Pack's ability to keep their songs fresh and engrossing. The fourth track, "Killer In The Pack" starts off slower and then picks back up with intensity. I hear this song as an excellent one for live performance. There is an energy to the song and enough twists present to retain its intended force. My favorite part of the song is around the 2:48 mark when the music kicks pack in after a short interlude. Next, "Burn" keeps the momentum going reminding you that Rival Pack still has you within its grip. Again, there is a mid-paced beginning before things evolve some at the :43 mark. An almost punk sound is then heard at the 1:00 spot before returning to the more modern hardcore sound that they harbor. This song would also be a definite pit pleaser. "Free From Pain" is catchy song with subtle breakdowns interwoven between the punkish chord movements. The breakdowns are tasteful though and not overused. Up next, "Untold" has a small amount of dual guitar work that stand out for me. A neat example is at the 2:12 spot within the song right before the end. Barry, the bassist, starts off "Don't Waste My Time". From there the song turns again to a catchy yet hammering punishment. The 1:17 mark in the song easily gets the blood pumping when the feel of the track is elevated. It comes down then at 2:08 to a rhythmic onslaught and eventually a galloping guitar riff to finish the song off. "Death and The City" is a solid continuation of everything this band aims to be. It is very energizing in its feel and exists with obvious purpose and strength. The last track, "No One Else" is a potent accumulation of what makes Rival Pack a strong and powerful representation of the genre. Right off the top it is a full force battery of furious vitality. Where the song leads you at the 3:17 spot to the end after the break could possibly encourage things to be broken.
Coming from a person that normally prefers other forms of metal above this, I can attest to the greatness of Rival Pack. They revive a sense of genuine urgent emotion that is sometimes lost in music for me. They are polished and skillful in their craft and deserve your attention.
www.facebook.com/Rivalpackhc/
rivalpackhc.nl/