Photo by Börner
There are at least two bands in Europe currently using the moniker Rise Above, so for full transparency, we should note that the mini-album we’re premiering here is from the Dutch metallic hardcore quartet, NOT the Norwegian melodic hardcore/emo quintet. Rise Above (Netherlands)’s music is definitely more in line with their namesake song (assuming Black Flag was the influence, not Napalm Death) and the 10-tracker we’re premiering here, For Better For Worse, is a 15 minute ripper with influences both modern and old-school, but solidly, undeniably hardcore. There’s a little bit of crossover, some East Coast breakdowns (and gang choruses!) and plenty of pit-inducing aggression. These dudes—Roy (vocals), Arch (guitar), Harm (bass), Jorrit (drums)—don’t mess around with complicated arrangements; it’s just all adrenalin, all the time.
For Better For Worse was recorded, mixed and mastered at 3181 Studio by by Lies! guitarist Sander Oldersma. Oldersma also played a solo on the track “Recap,” while Lies! vocalist René contributed vocals to the song “Persevere.” For Better For Worse will be available on CD and digitally on June 30 via WTF Records. Preorder the CD here and/or presave it digitally here.