REVIEW: Stray From The Path – ‘Anonymous’

September 24th, 2013

Matthew Leimkuehler

Artist: Stray From The Path
Album: Anonymous
Genre: Hardcore
Label: Sumerian Records

Stray From The Path‘s latest release, Anonymous, is a collection of post-modern tracks delivered with pure and spiteful bitterness we can only expect from the Long Island hardcore quartet. The record is entertaining, yet has instances where it can be repetitive. Anonymous is a record created by a group with a serve axe to grind against the institution.

Anonymous is an intriguing listen. Each song on the record vigorously attacks a status-quo nation in loud and fast fashion. The opening number, “False Flag,” sets the pace for what is 10 in-your-face tracks. Vocalist Andrew Dijorio spits speedy and angry vocal lines such as, “The TV screen is spreading disease…we are hopeless, mindless role-players.”

The record continues with solid efforts in “Radio” and “Scissor Hands.” Both tracks continue to deliver aggressive testimonials from Dijorio as he outlines various societal flaws. “Radio” has a special surprise with Jessee Barnett of Stick To Your Guns appearing for a guest vocal spot. His appearance adds a nice touch to one of the heaviest songs of the record. The record continues momentum with “Black Friday,” an eerie number that slowly progresses faster and faster throughout its duration, until a chaotic climax of antagonizing modern-era consumerism.

The record hits a snag with “Slice Of Life” and “Tell Them I’m Not Home,” when everything begins to blur musically and lyrically. Stray From The Path have carved a unique and undeniable sound, but it is almost too much on Anonymous. The anti-modernist message is a strong one, but it becomes boring and mundane. After hearing the same anti-political agenda being pushed down your throat for 10 tracks, you will be hard-pressed to re-visit tracks that do not stand out. Kudos to this band for having something to say, but maybe next time they can figure out more than one way to say it. Overall, Anonymous is entertaining and attention-grabbing, just beware of parts where it may become redundant.

Rating: 7/10

Review written by: Matthew Leimkuehler (@callinghomematt)