23rd October 2025

Review: “Ill Intent” by Brainwave

“It’s an extremely personal record, albeit one set against the backdrop of a world tearing itself apart. It’s about hopelessness, the pain of loss, and the brutality of everyday life. But it’s also about conquering the summit, overcoming both yourself and your detractors” ~ Brainwave

Having put in the hard yards since their inception, New Zealand based Metallic Hardcore crew Brainwave have achieved an awful lot in the past five years. In 2020 they dropped their debut EP “The Decline” and they haven’t looked back since with singles and splits separated by live shows in support of Drain, Saving Grace and Comeback Kid to name but a few. Forging a production partnership with Lewis Noke-Edwards (Hävittäjät, Circle Of Blood, Gravitate) the band invited some key figures from New Zealand’s hardcore scene, including members of Lucre, Molosser, Martial Law and Xile into the studio for their debut full length album while at the same time adding a second guitarist…

Having been previously described as a “hardcore Toxic Holocaust” while citing influences in prominent North American bands such as Drain, Mindforce and Forced Order might give you an insight into what Brainwave actually sound like but lets take that one step further. The virgin sacrifice of the album is “No Mercy“, a track which features both Aaron McPhail of Lucre and Arnold Kim of Molosser and with a little whammy bar action, sinister, menacing riffs and pummeling percussion there are obvious comparisons with Inhuman Nature and perhaps even the adrenalized Thrash of Electrocutioner. Make no mistake, this is an old school formula with Rob Thompson’s harsh vocals front and center and the band rip, pull and tear their way through anything and everything in their path. Both guest vocalists bring their A game, adding weight, gravity, grit and determination to the King’s table before “The Truth” flies out of the gate like the devil’s hell hound on the war path. It’s clear that someone has crossed Thompson and he calls them out as a coward he can no longer trust in a finger pointing venomous tirade that will resonate with anyone who hears it. The bands groove laden power comes from its rhythm section, bassist Caleb Webb and drummer Angus Crowe providing the ammunition with steady flow. A personal cut that leans on inner darkness with a tasteful bass solo, “Lost My Way” is equally relatable because lets face it, who hasn’t felt like they’re lost in the dark wood of error at some point in their lives? Lewis Noke-Edwards deserves a lot of credit for his work behind the boards, nailing the mix and making the band sound ruthless.

How about a little more whammy bar action? Too much is never enough! “Another Foe” is another one embellished with it, almost taking the place of a bit of fleeting lead guitar as this one bludgeons you to death with pounding rhythms and caustic vocals. The Chef’s Kiss is the “Bitch!” moment which is kind of like a “Bleigh!” but for fans of something older, wiser and more aggressive. There are more lead guitars from Moore and Adams as they are joined by Sam Andy of Martial Law fame on “Sad Mans Parade“, a track which is about as far from the acoustic lament the title suggests. Instead its a continuation of the blitz of Thrash tinged Hardcore as Brainwave reap the whirlwind once more, seeking an act of trephination to save themselves from the insanity of the world. Doubling down on the darkness “Never Be The Same” offers up urgent Speed Thrash riffs before slowing with rumbling bass and neck snapping groove. A clenched fist of defiance is at the bitter black heart of this one, a personal tale of rebirth in the flames of hate rather than living on in the mire having all the grit and integrity required to make for a gripping listen. A fifty five second palate cleanser “Forged” is a melodic piece that takes a leaf out of the Bay Area Thrash book with just a hint of blues running through it and is perfectly placed to set up the final three cuts of this vicious onslaught.

Those begin with title track “Ill Intent” which features Luke Manson of Xile and absolutely crushes as a stand out of unstoppable proportions. The bouncy main riff and clanky bass make way for some sinister leads before driving the nails home with gang chanted song title, the fury in the vocals evident of the meaning behind it all. Razor sharp riffs are the order of the day and there is no respite from them with the punishment beating that is “Bleak Reality“. A cathartic whirlwind of negative emotions, this one finds Thompson letting of steam while admitting to seeing nothing worth surviving for, the sentiment of which bleeds into the brutality that is “Seething Heart“. A vicious little ditty that seeks a way out with matches and gasoline and not because arsonists get all the girls, its the albums crowning glory as evidence that the band can maintain the flow of visceral darkness without so much as a glimmer of hope… [8/10]

Track Listing

1. No Mercy (ft. Aaron McPhail of Lucre and Arnold Kim of Molosser)
2. The Truth
3. Lost My Way
4. Another Foe
5. Sad Mans Parade (ft. Sam Andy of Martial Law)
6. Never Be The Same
7. Forged
8. Ill Intent (ft. Luke Manson of Xile)
9. Bleak Reality
10. Seething Heart