About.com Rating

NYHC institution Sick of It All have nearly 30 years of experience under their respective belts and vocalist Lou Koller is one of the most recognizable faces/voices of the entire scene. Last Act of Defiance is the band’s 11th full length, and their first in three years. This is a real burner of an album that lasts all of a half an hour, leading to constant rinse/repeat plays.

One of the defining characteristics of the NYHC scene was the addition of metallic elements to American punk rock and just one listen to the track "Get Bronx" showcases the signature sound of these bands and the shouted vocals mesh incredibly well and this style continues to show no rust.

The constant struggle of those from the streets is the main lyrical focus of the band’s music and with song titles like “Losing War,” “Never Back Down” and “Facing The Abyss” it is easy to see how difficult it can be for people in that position to make that change.

Classic punk rock elements are scattered throughout this album with joined choruses and breakdowns alongside thunderous and speedy riffs. You can literally feel the crowd surfers travelling above you and the crowds at the show singing along in unison to these catchy compositions.

There isn’t much more to say about a band of Sick of It All’s pedigree other than they remain one of the most consistently excellent bands from New York after all of these years.

You absolutely need to see these guys live, as their stage presence is nearly untouchable. The perfect combination of musicianship, attitude, and brutally honest hardcore punk; Sick of It All truly have it all and with another excellent album under their belt they only continue to age in the best way possible.

(released September 30, 2014 on Century Media Records)