NEUROSIS — The Word as Law (review)

NEUROSIS — The Word as Law album cover Album · 1990 · Hardcore Punk Buy this album from MMA partners
3/5 ·
The Angry Scotsman
Neurosis in transition

Far more familiar with their later stuff I was quite surprised upon my first listen to "The Word as Law". At first it sounded like nothing more than your typical crossover thrash album of the period. Maybe because that's pretty much what it is, but for Neurosis specifically this marks a transition from their original hardcore roots to their slow, sludgy metal to come. Of course they are not the first hardcore band to go slow, idols of the band, Melvins, did so before them as did Black Flag even earlier. That being said, in 1990 this may have not been much but looking back in time it's obvious this was a stepping stone for the band.

Also, it's not a bad album at all. May be quite atypical compared to the band's later material but I like thrash, I like punk. What's not to like about crossover? This is a fun album, not very challenging and good to rock out with. Sometimes, you are just in the mood for that over thinking about the music! Although even this is a bit different from the run of the mill crossover album. Alternating between slower sections and quick thrashy ones, with lots of punk riffing and prominent bass. However, it's actually a lot more moderate than most crossover. Instead of abrupt transitions between slow and crazy fast, the thrash here isn't too extreme. Really, it's a pretty mid tempo album with some variations in speed throughout.

Still, quicker than anything you'd expect from Neurosis, even with a solo or two thrown in and different vocals. Here there is a more yelling, punk style opposed to their later strained, sludge style. I prefer the vocals here to be honest, and also fits the quicker punk influenced music.

Not technical or mindblowing, and not brooding, atmospheric and challenging this is a fun album from old school Neurosis. Walking the middle between the two extremes of crossover thrash, their is some much slower, even building, music here especially the last song...indicating the future road the band would take.

Good Album

Three Stars
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