Self-released – 25 Feb 2022
Hardcore nearly as addictive as their namesake drug, and about as likely to knock a tooth out.
Meth Rats are Baltimore’s newest hitmakers. At least they should be. Their debut full length, (and I use the term “full length” loosely), Ultimate Culprit, is a refreshing 15 minute blast of hardcore. It’s 12 tracks of throat shredding vocals, ripping riffs and pummeling rhythms. The band is young, but the individual members, not so much. Their combined experience makes for a focused, angry batch of songs.
The lyrics on Ultimate Culprit are mostly about desperate, city dwelling characters with little hope or opportunity. Songs like “Illusion of Justice” and “My Friends Are 0%” are filled with drugs and suicide and killer cops. As awful as all that sounds, the songs don’t feel oppressively bleak. Musically, it might be somewhere between a more concise Frank Carter-era Gallows and The Accused.
On side B, Meth Rats actually let a little melody creep in. “Aspartame” almost treads into PEARS territory. “We Get It” has a street punk type chorus. They’re the closest things you get to a catchy sing along. This record may be flying a bit under the radar, but if you like the harder stuff, you should check it out. Give it a quarter of an hour. You won’t regret it. Ultimately, Ultimate Culprit leaves you craving more.
For vinyl fiends: The cover is in classic punk black and white, but the record itself is a real beauty. It’s crystal clear vinyl with blue splatter. Limited to 300, so you’d better not sleep on it.
Part-time punk writer, suburban dad and angry old man. Follow my adventures on the Punk Till I Die podcast!
