On Hardside’s ‘Time Is Punishment’, apocalyptic rolling drums and pinch harmonics blend with low, distorted guitars to rip the listener’s ears off from the word go. On first listen, the crisp and eloquent production of Paul Miner (Trapped under Ice and Terror) is clear, but the mood is set and there are very few surprises from here on in.
Despite this, there is a reason why this band are making waves in the scene. They have been putting the leg work in for a while, which has been doing wonders for their profile. If success was determined by touring effort alone, then Hardside would be right on track.
Front man Zane Pugh and his low growl let you reminisce of metal days gone by – with 1990’s Sepultura and Max Cavalera immediately coming to mind – and with the instrumental carnage throughout, it’s easy to see the link to Trapped under Ice and Terror. Interestingly enough, members of both these bands make a guest appearance in ‘Grim Terror’. This, along with Paul Miner and Linas Garsys (artwork for AFI, American Nighmare and Ceremony) means Hardside can certainly name drop well on this album.
The album, however, falls short of perfect. Namely, Zane Pugh vocals lack a little substance compared to many of Hardside’s contemporaries, and the distinct lack of variation from one song to the next means the album limps home over the finish line. The mix of vocal styles on the record doesn’t quite fit, and in the clean vocals over the bridge of several of the songs (‘Shut it out’ and ‘Controlled’ to name two) it feels like the band are pretty clearly out of their comfort zone.
Overall, the record is good and respect must go to the band and a past that rivals many in the genre, but it does feel a bit empty of feeling. This is partly due to the repetitiveness of the guitar work, but also the lack of vocal depth.
‘Time is Punishment’ is far from the album of the year, but if Terror and Trapped under Ice float your boat, then give it a listen. It’s not the most original but certainly holds its own. If you get the chance, many of the songs will be far better blasted out from a stage.
DAVE BULL