Victory Flag

The Soundtrack To Your Miserable Life - EP Review
(Sin Klub SK023 CD)

...their sound's like an enraged Rottweiler, approaching teeth drawn, then licking your face.  All the aggression and anger but none of the negative, just positive enjoyable attitude...
Following closely on the groundwork laid down by last years "Demo 2000", The Flag have released another set of solid, metallically edged, old school street-hardcore on this EP.  This is their first recording with Sin Klub, with whom they signed late last year and it's good to hear they have maintained the raw and sharp, aggressive punk attitude that is so satisfyingly mixed with the metal influences.  Word has it, that this is the last recording as a four piece and they have now expanded the band to a fifth member, a new vocalist who will feature on their imminent first album release.

Track Listing:

01. The Leech
02.
Last Day Of School
03.
Midas Touch
04.
Backbone
05. Victory Flag

Victory Flag - The Soundtrack To Your Miserable Life - EP
The EP opens with the melting riff of The Leech, which quickly gets into it's stride and powers it's way into a up tempo hardcore ruck, the tattoo's are on display and the attitude is clear.    Then without breath, the blistering pace of Last Day Of School grabs you by the throat and lifts you sky-wards, I guess they were glad to leave!  Midas Touch continues at similar pace and interjects yet more attitude and some slicing riffs.  Backbone starts off far more metallic than any of the songs so far and shows how well they mix the hardcore angst with the heaviness of metal.  And with Victory Flag they go on to demonstrate that even better.  Creating a thick atmosphere from the outset, this is the track of the EP for me, with wonderful rolling riffarama that stirs the soul and an almost Nirvana mid-section.  This song builds with great energy and hefty guitars that feel kind of mature, it's a great song.

There is an additional hidden track at the end of the CD (a song that chugs along with great character, centred around a massive guitar riff that keeps playing on in your head long after it's finished), so you actually get 6 tracks for your money.  The Flag have produced a wonderful selection of raw hardcore metal tunes, their sound's like an enraged Rottweiler, approaching teeth drawn, then licking your face.  All the aggression and anger but none of the negative, just positive enjoyable attitude right in your face.

Rigsby (13th August 2001)
Transcripts From The Downtuned

Check out the bands webpages for more details on how to obtain this EP @ www.victoryflag.net