Deadkill

This one is noteworthy for the metalheads due to the Seattle, WA band's inclusion of guitarist Kirby Johnson (ex-Himsa). But don't expect anything like the melodic hardcore-tinged metal majesty that band laid down. On this EP, Deadkill throw down four stripped-down punk rock tunes, which are like every other stripped-down punk rock tune you've ever heard in your life, which of course presents tons of problems and pleasures. Songs like highlight "5150" have enough fun swagger and energy to keep things interesting, but just how much '80s L.A.-style punk/hardcore do you need in 2012? In a way, the best thing this did for me was make me think of listening to Black Flag as a teenager. In another way, it gave me an excuse to listen to some good old-fashioned hardcore punk.