Do Or Die by Tension Head: A Hard Rock Punch to the Gut
Alright, let me just say this upfront—Tension Head’s Do Or Die isn’t your run-of-the-mill hard rock album. Released back in 2009 under The Revolution Music label, it’s one of those records that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go until the last chord fades out. Hailing from the US, these guys bring a raw, unfiltered energy that feels like they’re playing right in your face. And trust me, that’s exactly what hard rock should feel like.
Now, I gotta talk about two tracks that stuck with me long after the first listen: “Mr. Bigshot” and “Never Enough.”
“Mr. Bigshot” kicks things off with this swaggering riff that just screams confidence—or maybe arrogance, depending on how you hear it. It’s got this gritty edge to it, like the band’s calling out some egotistical dude who thinks he owns the room. You know the type: shiny shoes, louder-than-necessary laugh, probably driving a car way too expensive for their paycheck. The vocals are snarling, almost spitting out the lyrics, and it’s impossible not to nod along while secretly picturing someone specific in your life who deserves a verbal beatdown. By the time the chorus hits, you’re ready to join in on the rebellion.
Then there’s “Never Enough,” which is just pure emotional chaos wrapped up in heavy riffs and pounding drums. This track hits different because it’s less about confrontation and more about inner turmoil. The lyrics dig into that restless feeling we all get sometimes—that no matter how much you achieve or how hard you try, it still feels like something’s missing. When the singer belts out the title line, it’s like they’re screaming into the void on behalf of all of us. There’s this breakdown halfway through where everything slows down for a second, and honestly? It gave me goosebumps. Feels like the calm before the storm, but then BAM—it slams back harder than ever.
The rest of the album keeps the momentum going strong. Tracks like “Repossession” and “Brawler” keep the aggression cranked up, while songs like “Clean Break” show a bit more nuance without losing that signature intensity. Even the slower moments, like “In Search Of,” have this haunting vibe that sticks with you.
But here’s the thing about Do Or Die: it’s not perfect. Some transitions between tracks could’ve been smoother, and yeah, a couple of songs blur together if you’re not paying close attention. But honestly? That kinda adds to its charm. It feels real, like these guys weren’t trying to polish every little detail—they just wanted to make music that mattered to them.
So, wrapping this up… Listening to Do Or Die reminded me why I fell in love with hard rock in the first place. It’s messy, loud, and unapologetically human. Oh, and here’s a random thought: if this album were a person, it’d probably be the guy at the party who starts an argument over beer pong but ends up being the most interesting conversation you’ll have all night. Not sure if that makes sense, but hey, neither does life—and neither does this album. And maybe that’s the point.
