Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Though the name suggests it, SelfInflicted is hardly content to cause themselves harm. They come out from the opening to pound you through thirteen rounds of modern metal with big slamming basslines and heavy throttling guitars. Right when you think you have the patterns figured out, they take you off your step with more bludgeoning riffs. It's a little disconcerting how the music can switch and knock you in other looping directions each time you start to get your bearings. The vocals, likewise, are also freed from the usual constraints of metal structure with some looser delivery from lead vocalist Rob Berard.

Although the band's photo looks like a cross between old and new metal, this isn't old-school music where you have a consistent riff to attach and headbang to, nor do I think it's as groove-oriented as a lot of stuff out there. It just heavy non-melodic slabs of angry sound that bust your chops. There is a sprinkle of thrash, but it's probably more to show what they're capable of than for song value.

SelfInflicted has their shit together and is out to make a name for themselves. If you don't want to be on the team, you might get knocked out along the way.