
After 23 years, back with a vengeance, Jersey style
-- Fury Of Five --
16/03/2023
Stijn Daneels

Album genres:
■ | Metallic hardcore |
Album artists:
■ | James “Stikman” Ismean | Vocals |
■ | Jay Fury | Guitars |
■ | Chico Violencia | Guitars |
■ | Mike Terror | Bass |
■ | Mikey Mayhem | Drums |
Review written by Glenn Schrijvers.
Who are they?
Fury Of Five is back after hibernating for 23 years they've returned with a vengeance because they're sick and tired of being rarely mentioned
nowadays even though they did put Jersey hardcore on the fucking map back in the 1990s and now they're no longer getting the recognition they deserve. For Fury Of
Five it's all about respect, nothing more and certainly nothing less. Do or die and chose death above dishonor are key elements for the
band.
They don't take shit from anybody and have proved it plenty in
the past! With a reputation of fighting with other bands and even booking agents, Fury Of Five has always been force to be reckoned with! For them, you either respected them or they would make you respect them, the hard way!
Fury Of Five
rose out of the NJ ashes in 1994 and split up in 2000 but during those 6 short but highly active years they made
their mark in the world. They are known for their vicious live sets and
toured around the US & Europe with many other bands including Madball, Earth Crisis, Fear Factory and Pro-Pain while younger bands like E. Town Concrete and
Second To None got
their own recognition thanks to Fury Of Five. Fury Of Five is a Molotov blend of thrash, heavy,
hip-hop and good old fashioned hardcore. They released 3 albums: No Reason To Smile (1996), At War With
The World (1998) and This Time It's Personnal (2000).
The EP itself
This
new Fury Of Five EP called "Half Past Revenge" features 5 tracks released by Upstate Reccords, an American underground
label for hardcore and metal founded in 2017 by Mario & Kim Cangemi.
We kick the EP off with 'W.A.R. (We Are Ready)’ and I will call this the anthem that marks the rebirth for Fury Of Five. It has a catchy, relentless chorus with
aggressive riffs, vengeful beatdowns, harsh hitting cymbals with
intense drumming. It brings me back to the era of good old-fashioned
hardcore with bands like Hatebreed, Black Flag and Snapcase. Next
up is ‘Feel The Reign’ that delivers gang vocals, hip-hop, filthy
breakdowns, menacing riffs and all drenched in melody. Caught myself
yelling alongside Stikman “If you know you know” that is the power of
Fury Of Five it gets your blood pumping!
With ‘Revenge Doesn’t Sleep’
you get punched in the face with the opening phrase “Revenge doesn’t
sleep motherfucker” and makes you want to dropkick somebody in the face
who just stabbed you in the back! This song has the nastiest riffs of the EP
for me and the backing vocals are veracious as hell alongside Stikman
spitting out his anger! The breakdown will give you the strength to demand
respect from somebody who crossed you! No need for booze or drugs, just
put on this tune and you'll be unstoppable!
The next song is ‘Souls In
The Soul’ which is the longest of the EP. The song builds up gently
with melody and transcends into a furious beatdown of riffs with drums so
savage that the drumsticks could break any second! We end with ‘Taste The
Steel’ that delivers fast paced drums, brutal breakdowns, aggressive
bass and melodic riffs that pack a punch. It is a familiar old school
hardcore sound but their sound has evolved during their absence.

Verdict
'Half
Past Revenge' is a 16-minute rollercoaster of aggressive riffs,
menacing breakdowns and vengeful vocals. This EP reminds the world that Fury Of
Five is still here to prove to us all why they're the hardcore Apex Predators
from New Jersey! If you haven't heard of Fury Of Five yet then I really recommend to check them out right now! It's a great appetizer that will most likely make you want to check out their classic material.
Score
80/100