11th July 2025

Review: “Still Standing” by Bruiserweight

Despite only having their first practice in December 2022, Montreal, Québec natives Bruiserweight managed to open for Buried Alive in January 2023. They did so armed with a collection of songs that would go on to become their 2023 demo, a four track affair released through Lifers Records having been mastered by Will Killingsworth at Dead Air Studios. Citing inspiration from ’90s New York and Cleveland Hardcore scenes and bands like Biohazard, Madball and Integrity the four piece wasted no time in playing every diner, drive in and dive across Canada and both Northeast and Midwest America. Returning home they entrusted vocalist Grayson, who relocated from Savannah, Georgia to join their ranks to record their debut EP “Still Standing” before sending it over to Andy Nelson (Pain of Truth, Harm’s Way, Weekend Nachos) at Bricktop in Chicago to mix…

Soaked in feedback the ’90s Hardcore style is in evidence from the first few seconds of anthemic opening cut “We Know The Truth“, rap screamed flow over Metallic Hardcore riffs burning bridges to light the way. As infectious as a new disease, this catchy little number is surprisingly groovy with echoes to the earlier works of bands like Deez Nuts or Lionheart with a socially aware and politically charged atmospheric that’s undeniable. Putting bounce in the mosh pit “Playing With Fire” follows the same blueprint with staccato riff breaks galore. It’s one of those that has the kind of lyrics you’re going to be joining in with on the very first spin; the four piece have nailed it with this one and its ear worm nature will have you wanting to listen to it over and over before running to catch it live. The only complaint is that its less than two minutes and could easily go on another verse and chorus. Another rampage through old school Hardcore at speed “Drag Me Down” benefits from that modern production value with plenty of crunch in the guitar tone and a clean crisp drum sound which means you feel every single hit. Simple and yet lethally effective, it’s as much fun as you can have without getting involved in a chainsaw accident. Traditional Hardcore values are at the black beating heart of “True To My Crew“, a classy number that raises a middle finger to the world. Longer rhythmic instrumental parts give you plenty of time to get into the pit and live its going to be stage dives and high fives all the way. You know the score, you know what’s good and this is it right here. Expect to see these guys announced for Summer Breeze Festival in Germany before too long if there is any justice in this world [8.5./10]

Track Listing