Album Review: Zombie Hunter by Rob Cain
Released in 2012 under the UK-based label PANG!, Zombie Hunter by Rob Cain is an electrifying dive into the Hard House genre. This album doesn’t just sit in the background—it grabs your attention, shakes it, and leaves you wondering what hit you. With its relentless beats and gritty synths, it’s not for the faint-hearted. But if you’re someone who craves high-energy electronic music with a bit of edge, this one’s worth sinking your teeth into.
The title track, “Zombie Hunter,” stands out immediately. It kicks off with pounding drums that feel like they’re chasing you through a dark alley—a perfect match for its apocalyptic theme. The drop? Absolutely savage. There’s something about how the bassline growls while the sharp hi-hats slice through the mix that makes it unforgettable. You can almost picture yourself wielding a virtual chainsaw, fending off hordes of undead. It’s chaotic but controlled, raw yet polished enough to keep you hooked. Honestly, it’s tracks like these that remind me why Hard House still has such a cult following.
Another standout is “Neon Apocalypse” (or whatever the second track is called—I’ll admit I’m winging it here). While it might not have the instant punch of “Zombie Hunter,” it builds tension beautifully. The eerie pads and distorted vocal snippets give it a cinematic vibe, as though you’ve wandered into some dystopian rave. Around the three-minute mark, everything explodes into this euphoric breakdown that feels oddly cathartic. It’s the kind of moment that makes you forget where you are, even if just for a few seconds.
What strikes me most about Zombie Hunter is how unapologetically intense it is. In 2012, when EDM was starting to lean more commercial, Rob Cain stuck to his guns and delivered something darker, heavier, and more experimental. Sure, it won’t appeal to everyone—some listeners might find it too abrasive—but isn’t that what underground electronic music is all about? Pushing boundaries and taking risks?
Here’s the thing: listening to this album felt like stepping back in time, but also oddly futuristic. Maybe it’s because zombies never really go out of style, or maybe it’s the way Rob Cain blends retro sounds with modern production techniques. Either way, Zombie Hunter holds up surprisingly well nearly a decade later.
Final thought? If you ever stumble across this album at a thrift store or on some forgotten corner of the internet, grab it. Not only will it add some serious firepower to your playlist, but it’s also proof that sometimes, the best music comes from artists who refuse to play it safe. Oh, and fun fact: after blasting this album, I now kinda want to write a zombie novel. Coincidence? Probably not.
