Review: “Still Suffer” by Terror

Back in 2002 not even the most optimistic of fans could have predicted that not only would Terror still be alive but very much kicking twenty four years on. The highly influential Hardcore crew, who originated in Los Angeles California, have made the road their home in that time with punishing touring schedules while churning out ten studio albums, numerous splits, EPs, live albums and demos. They’ve made their name on a combination of aggression, angst and rebellion while at the same time showing a love and appreciation for the scene which shares the same struggles. Songs about self empowerment, survival and an unrelenting will to face challenges head on with the values and support found within have long been part of their mantra and with their tenth album “Still Suffer” that’s not about to change. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Produced by their former guitarist Todd Jones, who did a two year stretch in the band from 2002 to 2004, the record has engineering and some additional production by Taylor Young (Nails, Kruelty, God’s Hate) at The Pit Recording Studio, mixing by Jon Markson (Drug Church, Kharma, Deez Nuts) and mastering by Brad Boatright (Obituary, Internal Bleeding, Creeping Death) at Audiosiege. Vocals were engineered by Jay Zubricky at GCR Audio and drums at Studio 606 by Taylor Young and Oliver Roman with “Fear the Panic” having a co-production credit for Chad Gilbert of New Found Glory.

Nicholas Jett pounds the war drums as the Crossover Thrash infused guitars of the introduction to “Erase You From My World” gets the blood pumping, a classy pick slide a warning of the shape of punk to come. Seamlessly changing gear Terror then dive headlong into a classic late 80’s Hardcore Punk sound, laced with gang chants and slick riffs as Scott Vogel raises his middle the finger in defiance at the naysayers. It may not be the strongest of opening cuts but it is a mid album thumper with a timeless quality that screams “You can’t handle the truth!” like Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men. There is more intensity to title track “Still Suffer“, the sing-a-long chorus of “Forever doesn’t change, you’re damaged just like me!” accompanied by gang chants making it angry anthem that is up there with the best from from band. The riffs from Martin Stewart and Jordan Posner are that little bit more barbed, the barked vocals from Vogel a call to the mosh pit that’s undeniable. 83 seconds is all that they need to get the message of “Promised Only Lies” across in politically charged and socially aware fashion, the heightened aggression confirming that the fire still burns for Terror as Scott Vogel sets the world to rights.

Another sub two minute bomb blast “Destruction Of My Soul” is as slick an angry Hardcore anthem as you could wish for, the catchy chorus and infectious riffs combined with the gut punch of lines like “There’s only one way out, burn it to the f***ing ground!” calling for two step action in the pit. The first of the guest appearances comes from Chuck Ragan of Hot Water Music on “Fear The Panic“, the classic Hardcore theme of putting yourself to the test providing one of the most powerful choruses that Terror have offered in their careers. If there was one that can’t be omitted from the live show set list from this collection, it’s this one because its that good. A lean, mean, fighting machine “Death Of Hope” then finds Vogel spitting teeth once more in something of a nostalgic throwback to “One with the Underdogs“. The rhythms are pummelling, the barked vocals incendiary and if the fists aren’t flying by the end then its time to consult a shrink to find out what’s wrong with you. The second of the guest appearances comes from Jay Peta of Mindforce on “Beauty In The Losses“, the piano loop and hip-hop beats of the first fifty seconds acting as a palate cleanser for the mind before the riffs kick in. As you’d expect, after that it’s classic Terror, the band delivering the Hardcore in style with verve, swagger and decades of experience.

A simple but insanely infectious riff is an interesting twist in the tale for “A Deeper Struggle” before galloping drums and fists in the air in the land of hypocrisy, the lyrical narrative feeling like a race to the bottom before Vogel bites back. There are flavours of recent offerings by bands like Sunami in that which continue into the rampage that is “To Hurt The Most“, the two cuts almost sounding like they were intended to be conjoined twins. Like many a new record from a highly influential band, you can actually hear the bands they have influenced in their material which can be a little strange but is totally inescapable. After all, Terror aren’t going to re-invent the wheel they invented in the first place and why should they? Once more with feeling “Deconstruct It” finds Brody King of God’s Hate and Dan Seely of King Nine joining the party, a tasty bass line Christopher Linkovich anchoring everything in style. Staccato riff breaks and a screamed chorus bring home the bacon and its the push that makes you want to move before a pause. An old school hidden track returning us to the piano loops and hip-hop beats with answer phone messages from Scott Vogel’s friends talking about memories and paying their respects a touch of class [8/10]

Track Listing

1. Erase You From My World
2. Still Suffer
3. Promised Only Lies
4. Destruction Of My Soul
5. Fear The Panic (ft. Chuck Ragan of Hot Water Music)
6. Death Of Hope
7. Beauty In The Losses (ft. Jay Peta of Mindforce).
8. A Deeper Struggle
9. To Hurt The Most
10. Deconstruct It (ft. Brody King of God’s Hate and Dan Seely of King Nine)

“Still Suffer” by Terror is out 24th April 2026 via Flatspot Records