Review: Agnostic Front – The American Dream Died

The Godfathers of New York hardcore have returned with another pulverizing, politically outspoken record. The album starts off with an enticing, goosebump-inducing mix of air raid sirens and political speeches that decry American society, all of which extend into the ferocious title track with fast-paced, mosh-provoking rhythms and Roger Miret’s signature gutter vocals. Agnostic Front have not lost their brutal edge—“Police Violence,” “Only In America,” “Old New York” and “No War Fuck You” all pummel to get their message across, each taking less than three minutes to do so. It’s clear that after 30 years, these guys have not forgiven this country of its disgusting nature, as expressed by Miret: “Everything we stood for as a country is going down the drain. But we still somewhat have our freedom of speech. We’re expressing it all through this record while we can.” –Eric U. Norris