Review by Rachel Jablonski
Rather simplistic – not too terribly technical, somewhat familiar – not very distinctive in style, and fairly predictable – able to swiftly mimic lyrics, Vendetta by Orange County’s Throwdown is, believe it or not, an interesting release. The straightforward heavy music, though not necessarily innovative in sound, just simply works. Like choosing to watch Old School for the 5th time rather than an unfamiliar movie that could suck, Vendetta contains a comforting atmosphere good for a customary straight up hardcore rock listen.
Throwdown wastes no time in establishing a typical heavy sound on Vendetta. The first track, “We Will Rise” busts into swift drumming and deep guitar tones. The song is quick and moving, but includes little variance in riff and tempo. This is dissimilar to most tracks on the album. Frequent, in addition to speed playing, are great guitar hooks that capture attention and through catchiness add a feeling of comfort for hardcore appreciators. Rhythmic guitars shine as sluggish, dark tones draw in the listener via “Give my Life.” “The World Behind” and “Shut You Down” each contain catchy guitars that chug away in fun, yet harsh kinds of bouncy distortion. The production on the album is notable, no one instrument overpowers and sound comes together well for an overall appealing feel.
Perhaps the reason for the album’s effect of immediate contentment is due to Vendetta’s sound, at times reminiscent of bands like Hatebreed or Pantera. The raspy vocal growls sometimes reveal faint hints of Phil Anselmo of Pantera especially. “Speak the Truth” starts off with a good scream and nice tempo changes, a pretty fast to real drawn out sound, while the vocal tone is similar to that of Anselmo. Musically, at times Hatebreed comes to mind. But Throwdown has a unique trend throughout the album lyrically.
Interestingly, each song on Vendetta consists of lyrics that explicitly use the title of the song within the song. Can we rise? We will rise. We will rise above the lies and move on, is growled in “We Will Rise.” So now speak the truth, and if you ever say my name, speak the truth, “Speak the Truth” demands. This is a vendetta…This is our vendetta against the world,” the title tracks says. Burn them to the ground…Burn,” reiterates the track called “Burn.” Discipline (you can’t stop this), discipline (you’ll never stop this), discipline,” you’ll hear in “Discipline.” To live is to sacrifice, always bleed, but never surrender your pride… never, screams “To Live is to Sacrifice. I’d give my life, is obviously in the track “Give my Life.” I see you leaving this world behind, “This World Behind” states. I’m not gonna shut you down, I’ll let you do it yourself, “Shut You Down proclaims. Annihilation our only fate…new world disorder, screams “Annihilation (N.W.D).” And finally, the album closer, "This is Where it Ends," substantiates the fact that, This is where it ends.