Although I’m a fairly rabid hockey fan and an obvious devotee of hardcore, SLAPSHOT for whatever reason eluded my radar for many, many years until this collection of newly re-recorded “hits” was put released stateside by Bridge 9. Twenty-two tracks, including two new songs make up “Greatest Hits, Slashes, and Crosschecks,” and while it’s all previously unheard of to me, I’ve immediately grown to appreciate this band’s genuine old-school sound that feels as well crafted as possible. Positivity is probably not the right word to describe SLAPSHOT, as their song titles would indicate a less than pleasant outlook, including “Shoot Charlton Heston,” “Chip On My Shoulder,” “I’ve Had Enough,” “Hang Up Your Boots,” “Watch Me Bleed,” and more – but the band isn’t one to dwell on negativity to a fault. Rather, SLAPSHOT act as the epitome of what aggressive hardcore music used to be about, far before romanticizing about seeking revenge for personal relationships with the opposite sex gone sour. SLAPSHOT re-recorded these classic tunes at Outpost Studios by James Siegel, and the quality is amazing, as all of the tracks feel lively. The artwork accompanying this compendium is pretty neat as well, as it includes a fairly in-depth history of the band, its various members who have come and gone, and their continued successes in Europe. This band may not have gotten their proper due in the US during their first 15+ years of existence, but it looks like Bridge 9 has swooped in to give them a proper introduction to a new generation of hardcore kids.

Bridge 9

www.bridge9.com