Review: “Surplus Citizen” by Twist Lock

Frustrated with modern society, manipulation and the growing divide created by money and power, a trio of seasoned veterans known for their prior convictions in Atoll, Eyes Of Perdition, Lunacy, Necrambulent and Necrobot needed an outlet for their aggression. Crawling out of the gutters of Arizona, Nevada and Alabama they once again look to become the Kings of Carnage with Twist Lock. Bringing the heat and packing a punch, they’ve created a Beatdown Deathcore blend that has Metallic Hardcore influences at one end and Slam inspirations at the other.

Socially charged and politically aware “Your Mistake” calls out the false words of those in positions of power, confronting manipulative behaviour head on with an explosive blend of riffs that walk the like between KoRn and Sunami. The bass sound pops as the guitars chug violently, the nostalgic early Nu-Metal sounds chemically enhanced by classic Hardcore before vocalist Wade Taylor demonstrates some serious Deathcore prowess that threatens to take the roof off. What’s impressive about it is the sheer energy, the trio maintaining that intensity while offering up something insanely listenable.

As ominous as it is crushing “Get Bent” then muses on the loss of futures possible with The Acacia Strain vibes, Dekota Martin wrecking necks with his pounding percussion as Cameron Broomfield brings the fret-board violence. The spoken word is masterfully done, delivering the message without skipping a beat and if this one doesn’t give you pause for thought then nothing will.

Going off like a Molotov Cocktail “Cunstituents” warns of a race to the bottom and the world circles the drain thanks to corrupt politicians, the angry anthem hitting like a sucker punch. Using a couple of well chosen and well placed samples and base jumping points is a masterstroke, the grooves running deeper than the roots of Jagermeister and the bands view of politicians as bottom feeders is something that resonates. You just can’t help but bang your head as the trio rage.

A reflection on modern society “Imbecile” vents on how the powers that be have created a world of trends where individuality is shunned, the heavy hitting Metallic Hardcore soundscape a rubber band ball that bounces high with an infectious energy and a bass line that well and truly slaps. On this record Twist Lock have been able to unite the often opposing forces of style and substance in a way which gives them the power to connect, like a brick to the skull. “Surplus Citizen” is quality over quantity so hopefully it enables them to come back soon with a full length [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Your Mistake
2. Get Bent
3. Cunstituents
4. Imbecile

“Surplus Citizen” by Twist Lock is out 12th June 2026 via