STINGRAY - FORTRESS BRITAIN

here’s another one that’s going straight onto the album of the year list. members of some of the best bands in the uk punk scene coming together to deliver something that sounds absolutely scorched, absolutely hellish.

imperialism gets torn apart here. british rule, the decaying landscape of modern life, the whole rotten mess. and the music matches the fury - extreme noise terror, crucifix, neuroot all come to mind but stingray are doing their own thing with it. from the first note it’s got you by the throat.

“burning swine” hits like a stomping kick to the teeth with a metallic breakdown that you won’t get out of your head. the title track “fortress britain” is a d-beat fever dream with a bass lead so massive it almost overshadows the lyrics.

tin savage’s vocal delivery drips with venom, demonic and absolutely commanding. closer “inner city” opens with another bass lead, echoing drums, a build-up that’ll give you goosebumps. influences from the past? sure. but this shit is timeless. if modern life is hell, stingray just gave you the soundtrack. favorite track: mercy killing