Traces of War

The debut self-titled full-length record from the Manila-based crossover quintet, Traces of War, is nothing short of a audial flurry that requires attention from every hardcore punk and thrash metal enthusiast out there. For those of you out there who are not familiar with the band, Traces of War is based from the lawless underground music scene of the Philippines‘ capital, where the act have developed a sound that’s infused with the aggressive energy and essence of both the hardcore punk and thrash metal genres. This debut full-length of theirs is more than just a collection of songs, as it can also be considered as an intense encounter that truly captures the unadulterated essence of early crossover music that’s reminiscent of the crafts from bands like D.R.I., Suicidal Tendencies, and early Sepultura.

Clocking in at just under 30 minutes of playing time, this offering is a lasting raid on the senses of those who dare listens from its first tune up to the last one. With no room for frills and other embellishment, the record’s shortness simply serves to heighten its impact to the listeners. Every track is a tightly wound burst of fury, driven by grandiloquent guitar riffs that slice through the mix like a machete. The twisted solos in here add an utter chaotic brilliance as they weave through each of the track with a wild and unhinged energy that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats. One can also find a masterclass of a drum pummeling, in terms of speed and precision, with every blast beat and rapid-fire fill executed flawlessly, adding to the album’s overwhelming sense of urgency.

Lyrically, “Traces of War” delves into a bleak and harrowing exploration of the human condition under the weight of oppression, societal decay, and existential despair. The album’s themes relentlessly confront the structures of power that exploit, manipulate, and destroy. From the opening track to the final note, the lyrics depict a world where individuals are trapped in cycles of violence, deceit, and control, with no clear escape in sight. The lyrics that they wrote are honest and unapologetic, conjuring up visions of a society and country that is shattered by forces outside the control of its people. Themes of slavery to corporate enterprises and religious powers that are grasping its nation, the loss of identity, and the perverse exploitation of faith and morality are woven throughout the offering. There’s a deep sense of disillusionment and a recognition that the systems that are supposed to protect and guide its people have instead become tools of oppression and control.

In spite of this hopelessness in its themes, the release provides a call to action for defiance and resistance from the masses. Under the surface of the ideas portrayed here is a strong sense of rebelliousness and a refusal to accept the current state of things. The lyrics of the tracks clearly challenges the listeners to wake up, resist, and fight back against the status quo and the forces behind it which seeks to control the people.

To sum, “Traces of War” is worth the purchase for any extreme music aficionado who holds the early days of metal and hardcore punk close to their heart. This self-titled material is an utter reminder to the fans of the genre that the essence of crossover music is still alive and well in the underground scene of the Philippines, and that Traces of War are one of those groups out there who are proudly carrying on the tradition. If you’re looking for an album that will make your heart race and make you clench your fists, then look no further. This is a material that begs to be played very loud over and over again until every riff and every scream is imprinted into your memory.