Pro-Pain - Fistful of Hate (CD)

All Music Guide

In the alternative metal and hardcore fields, bands come and go. Keeping a band together can be an uphill climbthe music industry isn't for the faint of heartand it isn't uncommon for altmetal and hardcore combos to break up after only one or two albums. But ProPain has been impressively durable. 2004 marked the band's 12th anniversary, and ProPain celebrates that anniversary with the uncompromising Fistful of Hate. Anyone who expects the New Yorkers to soften their blows will be disappointed; with Fistful of Hate, they offer another dose of harsh, angry, pummeling altmetal/hardcore venom. This 2004 release doesn't point ProPain in any new directions, and the disc is unlikely to win over anyone who isn't already a fan of their hammertotheskull approach. But in terms of being focused and inspired, Fistful of Hate is a winnerand it certainly won't make diehard followers think any less of ProPain. So why does ProPain's small but enthusiastic cult following continue to hold them in such hi...gh regard? The bottom line is that ProPain is superior to a lot of the competition. There is no shortage of headbangers putting out this type of mosh music in the 21st Century, but Fistful of Hate underscores the fact that ProPain's seemingly tireless members are doing it with much more feeling and convictiontheir hooks are sharper, their writing is crisper, their lyrics are more memorable. That said, Fistful of Hate falls short of essential; for someone who already has several ProPain CDs in his/her collection, owning this one isn't absolutely necessary. But again, ProPain's admirers are an enthusiastic bunch, and they will find that Fistful of Hatealthough not quite essentialis certainly a solid and heartfelt addition to their catalog. - Alex Henderson, All Music Guide Read more Less