By: Stephen Szczasny
Artist: Jesus Piece
Album: Only Self
Release Date: August 24th, 2018
Label: Southern Lord
From their inception, Philadelphia’s Jesus Piece have made it their mission as a band to sonically destroy everyone and everything in their path. Formed in 2015, their aggressive brand of metallic hardcore has turned a lot of heads within the hardcore community and deservedly so. The anticipation for their very first LP, Only Self, was incredibly high and damn, in my opinion, it lived up to the hype.
The first track “Lucid” immediately sets the tone of the record by treating the listener’s ears to a barrage of chaos and brutality. This record is fucking intense and crushing; it feels like a 2×4 is being broken over your head repeatedly. From front to back, there are so many great moments; every song feels like it deserves to be on the album (No filler, all killer). It also seemed like they tried to throw some newer aspects into their sound which I thought was great. They mixed in elements of doom, atmosphere, and maybe a pinch of death metal (at least that’s what I picked up on). Everyone in the band is playing their balls off throughout this entire affair; the viciousness is felt through every word spit in your face and each note punching you in the gut. In terms of production, it sounds like they were able to capture the true sound of the band without making it sound too polished. Andy Nelson (Weekend Nachos, Like Rats, Dead in The Dirt) did a fantastic job on this project; I wouldn’t be surprised if more bands start seeking him out because this album’s sound is truly enormous!
All in all, Only Self is a bold announcement to the world that Jesus Piece has arrived and aren’t going anywhere. If you’re not a huge fan of hardcore, I would still recommend you give this a try; I really think that there is moments on this record for any fan of heavy music.
Favorite Moments:
“Lucid”, “Punish”, “Curse of the Serpent”, “In the Silence”, “Adamant”, “Neuroprison”
Shredding Metal Maniaxe 