Review: “Overtime” by Respect For Zero

Six long years after their last taped confession in 2019 album “My Sacrifice”, Italian Hardcore Homewreckers Respect For Zero have returned with a clenched fist. Once again channelling the rage of a generation raised in the suburbs where global culture was suppressed by the church, they offer four fresh cuts mastered by Leandro Ferraiuolo (Fulci, Rainswept, Blvd Of Death) at Till Deaf Recording Studio Caserta as they stand united against fascism. Their journey began in 2013 and having shared stages with their heroes in bands such as Terror, Comeback Kid and No Turning Back they still have plenty of fire in their hearts and no respect for corrupt politicians and the authorities who exploit us for their gain.

A classic 80’s Hardcore Punk bass solo from Luca Paoletti introduces “Reaching Death” in nostalgic style as vocalist Stefano Gregori delves head first into the world of an addict who is not only destroying themselves but everyone around them in process. A cut with a real lyrical depth and meaning, it’s one that will resonate with anyone who has been through something similar and in classic Hardcore style, Iacopo Rossi bringing out the riffs for two-steppers to hit the dance floor and release their negative energy. “Mirror” then denounces a society manipulated by the deceptive messages of endless, nameless, faceless, greedy corporates with Hardcore injected Punk energy with the Italian accenting adding bags of charm to the lyrical narrative. Maintaining the Sick Of It All vibes “Sagnol” paints a picture of internal conflict and a fight against intense and destructive emotions that rage like a tornado underneath the surface. Chants of “I am condemned!” build into a gang chant from the whole band in fist pumping style, the Hardcore attitude and DIY or DIE approach never in doubt. Staccato riff breaks and urgent rhythmic battery inject a call to the mosh pit into the first half of “Born Again” before things slow down in tempo without reducing the intensity. Suffering from a loss of strength and a numbing of feelings, the lyrics call for a rebirth fuelled by the common thread of resilience that runs throughout the record. Another classic slab of Hardcore inspired by their peers, this one bodes well for a return to European stages before a new album. As instantly appealing as a hot cup of coffee from a hot coffee cup, “Overtime” has everything you could possibly want from a Hardcore Punk record with that intensity and fierceness that ensures you know it means more [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Reaching Death
2. Mirrors
3. Sagnol
4. Born Again

“Overtime” by Respect For Zero is out 30th June 2025 via Time To Kill Records