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WAR PACT
Savagery Unbound EP

Self-released (2024)
Rating: 8/10

This three-track EP is the debut offering from Santa Clarita, California-based combo War Pact who began life as Pain Catalyst in 2022. In fact, this EP was originally released in 2023 under their old name, but has been re-recorded here to introduce the band’s new moniker.

Nate Wiener (vocals and lead guitar), Ethan “Tank” Cady (rhythm guitar), Nick Zazirski (bass) and Tadder Bedaux (drums) should be really proud of this work because they have created a really infectious and crisp slab of crossover thrash. The riffs are clean and catchy, the bass runs hard, the drums pack quite a wallop and fronting the cacophony are the commanding hardcore chops.

When opener ‘Shoot To Kill’ kicks in I suddenly want to hear War Pact supporting a band like Vio-lence, because they boast a serrated sound that really cuts deep with its angst and drive. Wiener has a direct and streetwise style of vocal which veers heavily towards a harcore punk style of battery and I honestly can’t get enough of his tone.

As the EP proceeds there are elements of Cro-mags and Agnostic Front revealed alongside newer acts like Foreseen. There is such a hefty amount of meat in the riffs as the short instrumental title track gives way to the menacing plods of ‘Labyrinth’ with its sneering vocal commentary, tight yet ominous percussion and mid-tempo axe moshing.

I’m not sure how many times I’ve played this but I just can’t wait for a full-length, because this hits hard to the point of skateboard incineration. Make a pact with these guys because when battle commences you’ll want them by your side in the trenches.

Neil Arnold

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