Symptoms Of Victims by Something Fatal: A Punk Rock Wake-Up Call
Alright, let’s cut the crap. This album? It’s raw, it’s pissed off, and it doesn’t care if you’re ready for it or not. Symptoms Of Victims from Canadian punk rockers Something Fatal is like a punch in the face that leaves you wanting more. Released on some no-name label (Not On Label—how fitting), this thing screams DIY ethos with zero apologies.
First up, shoutout to the lineup: Paul Bertling pulling double duty on bass and vocals, Kevin Skoblenick smashing drums like he’s got a vendetta, and Alex Fruch + Brad Nemeth shredding guitars like they’re trying to start a fire. Producer Scott Pipe deserves props too—he didn’t polish this mess; he weaponized it. And yeah, all songs written by Something Fatal themselves. No corporate sellouts here.
Now, onto the tracks. There are ten total, but two stuck in my skull harder than a bad hangover.
Track 3, "Somewhat Like A Vampire", hits like a truck full of broken glass. The opening riff grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go until your ears bleed. Paul’s vocals are snarling, dripping with venom, while the rhythm section just pulverizes everything in its path. You can practically feel the fangs sinking into your neck as the chorus explodes. It’s catchy as hell, though—not the kind of song you’ll forget after one listen. More like the kind of song that haunts your nightmares.
Then there’s "Nightmares On Ice"—a chaotic rollercoaster ride straight outta hockey hell. If Bloody Mary had a bastard child with an ice rink massacre, this would be it. The guitar work here is insane, switching between razor-sharp hooks and outright chaos. By the time the breakdown kicks in halfway through, you’re either headbanging so hard your neck hurts or questioning every life choice that led you to press play. Either way, mission accomplished.
The rest of the album keeps the energy high, even when the themes dip into despair. Tracks like “Miss Miserable” and “Grave Robbery In Progress” keep things heavy without losing their edge. But honestly? This isn’t about perfection—it’s about passion. Something Fatal didn’t set out to make radio-friendly garbage. They made something real, ugly, and unforgettable.
So, what’s the takeaway? Punk rock ain’t dead, folks. Not as long as bands like Something Fatal exist. Sure, they might not have fancy production or big-label backing, but who needs that when you’ve got raw talent and enough rage to power a small city?
Final thought? Listening to Symptoms Of Victims feels like getting sucker-punched by someone you secretly respect. Fucked up, right? But also kinda brilliant.
