Demo by Face Reality: Hardcore Rock That Punches You in the Face
Alright, let’s get this straight—Face Reality’s Demo isn’t here to hold your hand or whisper sweet nothings into your ears. This is hardcore rock at its rawest, stripped-down and unapologetic. No fancy production tricks, no glossy sheen—just pure aggression bottled up and hurled right at you. Released under Not On Label (because who needs a label when you’ve got something this real?), it’s the kind of album that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go until the last chord fades.
Let’s break it down. The tracks are short, sharp shocks designed to leave an impression. Two stood out for me, though not always for reasons you’d expect.
First up, “Taking A Risk.” Damn, this one hits hard. It kicks off with a riff so jagged it feels like stepping on broken glass—but in a good way, y’know? The vocals are raw, almost like they’re being spat out rather than sung, and honestly, it works. There’s no overthinking here; it’s just raw emotion bleeding through every note. What sticks with me most is how chaotic yet controlled it feels. Like yeah, these guys could lose their minds any second, but somehow they keep it together just enough to tear everything apart. That tension? Unforgettable.
Then there’s “Intro/Need and Greed,” which might as well be called “How to Start a Riot 101.” This track sets the tone for the whole damn thing. It’s brutal from the first beat, all pounding drums and screeching guitars. Lyrically, it dives headfirst into themes of desperation and excess without holding back. I mean, come on—it’s literally titled “Need and Greed.” You know what you’re getting into, and still, it smacks you upside the head harder than you expected. By the time it ends, you’re left breathless, wondering what the hell just happened. And isn’t that exactly what great hardcore should do?
Now, don’t get me wrong—this demo ain’t perfect. Sometimes it feels too rough around the edges, like maybe they were rushing to capture lightning in a bottle before it escaped. But honestly? That’s part of its charm. It’s messy, loud, and unrelenting—and sometimes, that’s all you need.
Here’s the kicker, though: after listening to this demo, I couldn’t help but think about how much we crave authenticity in music today. Everyone wants to sound polished, filtered, Instagram-ready. But Face Reality? They remind us that sometimes, all it takes is guts, grit, and a willingness to take risks—even if those risks sound like barely-contained chaos.
So yeah, check this out if you want music that fights back. Just don’t say I didn’t warn ya—it bites.
