Review: “Master Of None” by Death Before Dishonor

“‘Master of None’ is a showcase of what we consider all the best aspects of our sound. Songs to be sung in basements and festival fields all over the world. Lyrically, it is about breaking the shackles of mental manipulation. Most people can relate to the struggle of someone in their life wielding emotions or guilt against them. With this track, we’re taking aim at those who use these tactics to maintain control, and are providing an outlet for anyone ready to fight back.” ~ Bryan Harris, vocals

Boston Hardcore veterans Death Before Dishonor have offered up what can only be considered the shape of punk to come with a two track sampler four years after the bands 2019 album “Unfinished Business” marked their return from a near decade long hiatus. That’s because the hard touring band characterized by their aggressive, fast-paced sound and lyrics that often address issues of social and political importance had Zeuss (Rob Zombie, Hatebreed) produce, engineer and these new cuts mix and will return to work with him on an album at summers end. Between now and then however, Bryan Harris (vocals), Ben Kelly (guitar), Greg Chihoski (Bass) and Ben Hilton (drums) will be back on the road as a European festival run including stops in Germany, Czech Republic and Belgium…

Refused jokes aside new material from Death Before Dishonor is definitely overdue, their dedication to being one of the tightest live bands on the Hardcore circuit to be commended but the cost in the lack of studio material seems to be a little high even if we’d rather have quality over quantity. The good news is that the one new piece of original material in “Master Of None” is a Hardcore Punk classic with Sick Of It All and even Biohazard vibes. Furious riffs matching the barbed vocal, a resonating admittance that to some people what you do will never be good enough. Harris breaks the chains of mental enslavement with his lyrical narrative, the band creating a hallmark backdrop on which he can spit his venom and if it’s a showcase of what the band may offer next then it’s certainly caught the attention. Next up is “Sonic Reducer“, a cover of an anthem from the Dead Boys reinvigorated with modern production and crunchy guitar tone. The solo from Kelly is well worked and in keeping with the 1977 original while it has to be said a cover more in line with the Death Before Dishonor sound would be hard to find. Both cuts are perfectly primed for the live arena, ideal for stage dives and high fives, which is exactly what the band and their fans need.

Track Listing

1. Master Of None
2. Sonic Reducer (Dead Boys Cover)

“Master Of None” by Death Before Dishonor is out 21st July 2023 via Bridge Nine Records and is available for over at bandcamp.