WSOU First Impressions: Pressure Cracks, This is Called Survival

Seton Hall University’s WSOU radio is the only all-metal, all-the-time station currently broadcasting in the U.S., and has been a force in metal for decades. It’s also streamable online from anywhere in the world!

Each week, a different staff member of WSOU will share a quick review of an album they’re currently digging, right here on MetalSucks. Enjoy!

Pressure Cracks, This Is Called Survival

Jason Aalon Butler is no stranger to the hardcore scene. Despite having immense success in the hard-rock genre with Letlive and now even more acclaim with Fever 333, Butler has revitalized his band Pressure Cracks for a strong and visceral EP.

The EP is titled This is Called Survival, and every song is absolutely mind-blowing. The first song, “Like Father Like None,” is hands down one of the best hardcore songs I’ve heard in years. The screams are brutal, the song structure is beyond intriguing, and the band is truly giving it their all. The next track, “Ready for You,” is just as intense; it feels like a full blown mental breakdown captured beautifully in a three-minute song. When listening to the EP’s third song, “Shhh,” I can vividly envision Butler jumping into the crowd as mosh pits erupt around him. Finally, “Big T Youth” is just as crushing and heavy as the rest.

This EP is a breath of fresh air, and I can see Pressure Cracks becoming a genre-defining artist for the hardcore scene. I cannot wait to see where they go from here.   

  -Val P.