HARM - "Con Safos" LP (2024)

"LET'S DO A BAND LIKE EXCRUCIATING TERROR!" - Los Angeles grinders HARM (standing for "Harsh.Abusive.Radioactive.Mutation.", according to Discogs) have generated somewhat of a cult name for themselves in the last few years over the course of a few live tapes, a 7" EP, a split 7" and now their debut full length. They play a tributary style of grindcore that is almost entirely based on LA legends EXCRUCIATING TERROR, and on this record, particularly E.T.'s first album, "Expression of Pain". Nearly everything is very reminiscent of it - similar guitar sound, riff and most song arrangements; the emulation of the various idiosyncrasies of E.T's drumming; mostly low, barked vocals; a dirty, rumbling bass and an overall production that just stinks of "Expression of Pain"'s sonic character. I could well end the review here and you'd have a solid idea of what this is all about. 

But, the thing is, we're living in the year 2024. Since 2010 we've had bands like INTERNAL ROT, who took E.T.'s influence, dialed the aggression and tempos riiight up and developed something more like their own style while still clearly drawing from the E.T. school of '90s grind. Unfortunately, I can't say the same of HARM here. There's nothing fundamentally wrong with "Con Safos" - it's a decent enough attempt at doing what E.T. did (with some varying levels of success) and is easily listenable. But, when the depths of the '90s underground have been heavily plumbed by a range of others in the decades since, it's just much harder to do something a little different when the competition is stiff. If HARM were faster and more manic, that would go a long way towards helping them stand out more. As it stands, they are a competent band, but with little individual character, which is a quality more important than ever given the sheer amount of music being released every month these days. Covering 80s NAPALM DEATH at this stage in the game doesn't help, either. There are exceptions, but I am more receptive to straight-up worship on shorter releases like demos and EPs rather than full lengths. Other people will likely have a different opinion on this record.

Regardless of what might be seen by some as obsessive nit-picking, I enjoyed "Con Safos" for what it is and if copies of it arrive locally, I'd say to anyone interested in hearing some more E.T.-style grind to pick it up. However, what I'd really want from the next HARM record is for them to practice on getting those blasts faster and further work on their craft, as I feel that there is potential for them to be a great band. Released on 625 Thrash and limited to 300 copies.

(At release, there's currently no way to stream/download this, which is a bit of a kick in the teeth to those outside of the US who have to shell out big time for international postage on an LP. I only heard this because a good mate Stateside sent me a rip. Poor form, lads - where's the community spirit?! At least do a CD for ease of international acquisition in lieu of a digital release.)