Review: “Resurrection” by Do Or Die

Over the past twenty six years Belgian Hardcore crew Do Or Die have unleashed no less than six full length albums, demonstrating their prowess on the worlds biggest stages at Hellfest, With Full Force Festival and Alcatraz to name but a few. Taking a break after completing the tour cycle for 2015 album “Crows“, the band returned in 2021 with a fresh line up of both new and old members around original vocalist Christophe “Chris” Michez and as a six piece toured Europe again in both 2022 and 2023. Hungrier than ever the challenge they’ve set themselves is to introduce their brand of Metallic Hardcore with it’s signature blend of catchy, straight-to-the-point songs to a new generation…

Throughout their carrier Do Or Die have worn their collective hearts on their collective sleeves when it comes to their influences. There have always been those old school NYHC elements in the mix while the band haven’t shied away from adding elements from Thrash or Groove Metal in the purist of a getting fans into a mosh pit. As the line up has changed and Hardcore has evolved, those influences have shifted a little, Hatebreed, Merauder and perhaps even “Haymaker” era Throwdown springing to mind when it comes to 2011’s “The Downfall Of The Human Race” in particular. The new chapter begins with “Lust & Power“, a track which reaches circle pit momentum faster than a Lamborghini goes from zero to sixty as the Metallic Hardcore flows in style. As you might expect it’s one that screams “we’re back!“, setting the tone and the scene for the shape of punk to come with something that granted is a little safe but is thoroughly enticing. Pummelling percussive battery and a pick slide ignite the flames of “Alka“, the kerb stomping grooves and a cheeky fleeting bass solo making it the kind of thing you can nod your head to without even realising it. Cut from the same cloth as the bands like Nasty, this one is a first round knockout before “Resurrected” comes in swinging. A churn and burn riff and some throat splitting vocals on the shriller side of harsh get the wrecking ball spinning before classic Hardcore chord progressions meet rumbling bass for mid tempo blood and thunder.

The second half of the record begins with the bruising “No Mercy“, a cut which brings the two steppers to the yard while having a fierce intensity in the lyrical narrative. Flirting with breakdown grooves and loose bass strings in the final moments is a nice touch, the six piece continuing to demonstrate that they very much still have the fire burning inside them when it comes to Hardcore. Eric Klinger (Pro-Pain, The Take, No Retreat) deserves a lot of credit for his mixing and mastering on this one as well because he’s give the band a real solid bass sound and allowed that to bleed through which works incredibly well. It’s hard to believe that “Trail of Tears” has been around for more than a year in advance of the album, however it remains as good today as it did when it dropped. A call for mosh pit violence, this one sees both vocalists go toe to toe in a style which would have been mislabelled Metalcore back in 2005. Punchy, raw and emotive it hits the nail on the head, the bleigh! moment one which never gets old. Feeding off more traditional Hardcore themes “Mental Strength” maintains the energy and ensures it finishes on a high. A rampage through the urban jungle armed with a butchers knife, its death by a thousand cuts with middle fingers up. “Resurrection” may not do anything new or overly different however what it does do it does with style and grace, making it a damn fine time and bags of fun to boot [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Lust & Power
2. Alka
3. Resurrected
4. No Mercy
5. Trail of Tears
6. Mental Strength

“Resurrection” by Do Or Die is out 30th June 2025