I've followed the career of this band for several years. They were one of the first bands that sent me a promo release when I started getting into freelance reviewing. To say that I didn't spin Widespread Human Disaster and Bleed endlessly when they first arrived in my mailbox would be a lie.

Therefore, it gives me great pleasure to introduce this release from Disarray as one that has little to nothing to do with those two releases. Those releases can be characterized as being written by an angry young band that was torqued at the world, specifically the thoughts and feelings of guitarist/vocalist Chuck Bonnett. While the songs on those releases spewed hatred at those that stabbed Bonnett in the back or otherwise hurt him in some way. Two examples of that hatred still being present come on early in this release when he sings, "Just because I laugh/ Doesn't mean I'm happy/ I was just envisioning your death/ Just because I'm known/ don't mean it easy/ Actually my life's a total wreck . . . I could care less if you live or die" in "Voice Of Reason" or "Now you best watch your back when I rise/ cause I'll break your arms and rip your spine out/ Throw glass shavings in your eyes" in "The Never-Ending Quest For Revenge."

There are glimmers, though, that Bonnett is learning from his hatred. He is aware that there are things in life that are unfair and trying, but there is more to life than hatred: there is "moving on" with life, accepting that others are trying to discourage him. This is evident in the last track, "Life Is Gone," in which Bonnett sings. "I close my eyes/ and think of ways I can rise above/ A world that wants me/ To fade away and never matter at all." The same theme is touched upon in "The Powers That Be" when he declares, "I hate myself/ I hate my life/ Wish I could turn back time and not be born/ My life . . . spent my time in an endless grind/ This is what I have become/ a victim of a system/ that I cannot rise above/ But I will not submit myself."

Musically, Bonnett still crafts great guitar licks and has surrounded himself with capable musicians in bassist Vance Wright and drummer Dave Peridore. "Path Of No Regrets" stands out as a stand-out track. I liked the way the opening riff slips into the verse riff. Another stand out track is the aforementioned "The Never-Ending Quest For Revenge" in which drummer Peridore gets to strut his stuff with his full-sounding toms. Bonnett crafts an interesting riff. In general, Bonnett is a capable vocalist, delivering his vocals with a gruff/confrontational style. The final track, "Life Is Gone", is out-of-character for the band as it is an acoustic zinger. The guitar solo is my favorite on the CD.

Disarray is a talented band that is no newcomer to the metal scene. After successful tours with the likes of GWAR, Pissing Razors, Soilent Green, and many, many others, this band is just starting to get their due recognition. Their flavor is not one for the month - - like their previous releases, In The Face Of The Enemy will age well over the years.

Rating: A

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