Album Review: Biohazard – Divided We Fall (BLKIIBLK)

Brooklyn hardcore legends Biohazard are back, reuniting the original lineup, and with their first studio album in over a decade. It’s called ‘Divided We Fall’, and it is out 17th October via BLKIIBLK.

Straight up Biohazard hardcore fire, no nonsense, and effortlessly infectious, it’s as simple as that. Not just a summation of the excellent opening track, Fuck the System, but an album that sees the iconic band turning back the clock and doing everything possible to live up to their legacy. A decade gone like it was nothing, the connection is instantaneous, and even though the album comes with plenty of vitriol, Biohazard want you to know that they have your back.

Biohazard doing Biohazard things, albeit with a totally new lease on life. What’s not to love about that!?

Following the blazing start, things get stompy with Forsaken and intense with Eyes on Six. It’s not just the energised guitar power, violent bass hooks, or the battering drums either, as the vocals are filled with venom, and the group shouts are as iconic as ever. You’ll feel this kind of power deep in your soul, all while your neck muscles get worked into overtime through nonstop head banging.

Offering up a slow, nasty, beatdown groove that will transport listeners back to the heyday of the 90s. Death of Me is thick and heavy, Biohazard at their best. Whereas Word to the Wise’s fire is delightfully old-school. Featuring killer guitar soloing and vocal back and forth that sounds particularly venomous. Before Fight to be Free’s thick bassy sound and anthemic shouts encourage some chest-thumping and fist-raising action from the listener. All are absolute bangers and prove unequivocally that Biohazard are back and sounding stronger than ever.

I’d go as far to say that this album has turned out better than any of us could have dreamed of. Not only have the hardcore legends found their creative spark, but they sound unified and filled with life. They’ve also been able to get the balance between old-school and new-school sounds right too. Long term fans won’t be left wanting, but neither will those who may be discovering the band for the first time following an interest in the more modern hardcore scene.

You don’t have to love Biohazard to love this album. I’m not even the biggest Biohazard fan by any stretch, and I think this album kicks ass.

Case in point? The metalised intensity of War Inside Me, Biohazard at their fieriest, especially from a vocal perspective. Then there is the punchy S.I.T.F.O.A, the vigorous Tear Down the Walls, and the antagonistic I Will Overcome. Absolutely nothing to complain about, with varying levels of memorability, at least until the finale of Warriors. A track that passes by leaving very little impact. A disappointing closer, if I am honest, even if there’s nothing obviously bad about it. It’s just one that I think could have ended up on the cutting room floor and it wouldn’t have hurt the album’s quality in the slightest.

Still, what an album, eh? Biohazard are back, and back with a freaking bang.

Biohazard – Divided We Fall Track Listing:

1. Fuck The System
2. Forsaken
3. Eyes On Six
4. Death Of Me
5. Word To The Wise
6. Fight To Be Free
7. War Inside Me
8. S.I.T.F.O.A
9. Tear Down The Walls
10. I Will Overcome
11. Warriors

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