Album Review: Straight Opposition – Path of Separation
Reviewed by Dan Phipps
Straight Opposition are a veteran hardcore band originally from Pescara (Italy) and following disbanding in 2018 have been reborn in Brussels, Belgium. The early years of Straight Opposition saw the band play 500+ shows with some of the largest household names in the Hardcore scene, which saw the band also build up an impressive back catalogue of musical releases. Path of Separation is the title of the bands new release which see’s the veteran band craft a new collection of tracks which in their words will speak for the oppressed people of the world, who’s voices get too easily ignored.
Path of Separation is a 13 track slab of straight up aggressive no bullshit hardcore. The band has a very distinctive sound on this record, its riff construction and overall playing style of guitar player Nicola being very typical of classic old school style hardcore bands but with more of an vicious edge and harsh grind undertones. I would describe the sound of this record like a mixture of Slapshot/Agnostic Front style hardcore crossed with more of a harsh grindcore sound such as a band like Napalm Death as an example.
The songs do not go overboard with setting the tone, for the most part needing next to no time whatsoever to kick into full throttle and attack the listener, and a lot of the time just going full speed from the second the track starts. Vocally for the most part Path of Separation is fuelled by the rage of frontman Ivan who screams through each track with power and immense feeling, some slight variation can be heard on certain tracks but the message remains the same.
Straight Opposition supply a severe dose of rage fuelled hardcore. Path of Separation is a collection of tracks which are sharp, aggressive and hits straight to the point. It has a very aggressive sound in part to its musical construction and also to its raw production. This album is something that both fans of classic sounding hardcore along with fans of grindcore should be able to find enjoyment from listening too.
