While thrash roots have run deep in Long Island metallic hardcore group Extinction A.D. for a decade, they are ripped right out of the ground with their newest EP Ruthless Intent from Unique Leader Records.
The intro track "Prodigal Scum" fades in with a tease of echoing melody, abruptly abandoned for the robust, unpredictable riffs found in profusion throughout this record. Solid vocals enter the sound as metallic pieces are tossed on top, quickly revealing that Extinction A.D. isn't interested in pigeon-holing themselves into one genre.
Vocalist Rick Jimenez made it clear that his views are not being kept of his art, heard in the "Prodigal Scum" lyrics: "Scorch the earth, your poisoned brain social climbs to self worth". Under the promise of a confrontational sound, Ruthless Intent deserts expectations of metallic hardcore, throwing around new elements and distortions that aren't typically heard alongside thrash sounds. Their typical frenetic energy is certainly on display on all four of the tracks here.
The overall force seems to lack a clear and decisive direction – listening to these tracks independently, I wouldn't have guessed they were all housed under the same record. "Under the Hood" starts off solid and has listeners waiting for a hook, although after the crawling breakdown the track's intent seems to unravel a bit again.
The short, four-track EP gets angrier (therefore, better) as it progresses with "Living to Desecrate" and "Morality Bait" being the two hardest and cohesive tracks on the EP. "Living to Desecrate" breaks through with abrasive vocals and returns to classic build ups leading listeners through echoed chant vocals and perfectly executed breakdowns. Jimenez's vocal strength really starts to shine, stomping through his anger at the dark side of humanity, with the last track "Morality Bait" rides the build up from the prior track, coming in fast and furious.
While each interesting in their own, the tracks play more like independent releases and I would have liked to see more of a bond between the four tracks.
