Review by JD on December 1, 2011.

The whole Crossover scene has become more than just a little boring for me. I remember such classic crossover albums as D.R.I.’s "Four Of A Kind" and COC’s "Technocracy" - and how well the two seemingly different genres of Hardcore and Metal ended up meshing so brilliantly well. Todays Crossover seems to have got cartoon-ish and simply lacks power yet there are a few bands that have seemed to skirted the now uninspired scene, and deliver the goods with power and intensity that has been lacking.

Ireland based Interrogate combines the beating heart of pure Hardcore, the musical complexities and strengths of Metal then adds the listenable harmonies of Hard Rock to shake up the whole Crossover thing to its knees. What they have developed is a blending of the harder edges of music into a sweeping and brutal assault that will bring together such a wide scope of people together with every note played.

Songs like the heavy 'Let Me Breathe' are heavy and expressive almost Slipknot in style and brutality while the more moody 'Your Regret' shows a separate side of the band, insightful while still rocking as hard. It is their unabashed talent of combining so many varying influence that shows a band that is mature and hungry who never compromises their music for a quick gain. Impressive.

I remember the Hard Rock/Metal band Mama’s Boys that were a outfit in the early 80's from Ireland, and I had loved them (still do, even though they are semi-broken up), but this is now my favorite band from the Emerald Isle. I respect fellow Irishmen U2 as well, but never gotten into their music (too commercial for my tastes). For me, Interrogate is the Irish band for me.

I now have a bit of the Irish working for me, and not just the beer in my belly either.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 8
Originality:8.5
Overall: 8

Rating: 8.1 out of 10