Returning with its third full-length in nearly a decade of its existence, death-fueled crustmongers (or is it crust-fueled deathmongers?) VICTIM OF FIRE flame forth from the fertile soil of Colorado with The Old Lie. Mind you, one of the key elements of crust with any sort of socio-political overtones is its timeliness, so we’ve also been assaulted with a trio of EPs and a few demos during this time, confirming that not only shouldn’t a band in this style, but that a band in this style is physically incapable of sitting on its collective ass for too long.

The title track blasts forward, less balls-out Death Metal, more thrash in attack, and that sense of an almost IRON MAIDEN / Gothenburg melodic death that’s never been too far from the surface with this band, setting VOF apart from the “filth above all” creed that both empowers and constrains many of its counterparts. ‘Apocalyptic Inclination’ continues the barrage, THE HAUNTED a sonic reference, certainly aided by the rasp-snarl of guitarist/vocalist Austin. The extended solo section after the sound byte [2:03-2:49] is exquisite, Austin and Emily [guitars] dual leadwork yet again displaying the freedom within the quartet to keep true to itself while exploring territory that would put off your O.G. crustie with AMEBIX and CRASS logos tatted on his nether parts until he listened with an open mind.

A rampaging ‘Wayward Light’ begrudgingly surrenders to ‘Nightmares Of Ceasefire’, which finds the rhythm section of Dustin and Marc [bass, drums respectively] capably and deftly manning the artillery in this pit-ready anthem recalling and amped-up early PESTILENCE. ‘Discordance’ hurls a punishing D-beat ever onward, unstoppable as Austin’s scarred esophagus scrapes and scrabbles, a filtered-through-gravel delivery closer to black metal than anything else. Confrontational as the title not only suggests but demands, ‘Front Towards Enemy’ slows just enough in the latter half to give us another taste of the impressive solo work of which the guitar duo is capable.

After a shortened (slightly) version of 2021 digital single ‘Disharmonist’, The Old Lie closes with a hyperdrive and utterly worthy take on ‘Aces High’ by the aforementioned MAIDEN, adding to the handful or so covers the Coloradans have put their own spin on thus far. A sweaty, headbanging, horn-throwing, pit-churning workout for the body and mind in under 40 minutes, The Old Lie proves that VICTIM OF FIRE is no one’s victim.
Review By: Lord Randall

VICTIM OF FIRE
The Old Lie
Human Future Records / Return Trip Records