E-Town Concrete – The Renaissance

Release Date: April 15, 2003
Reviewed by Vin Cherubino

New York/New Jersey Hardcore has a new band to be proud of. Against all odds, E.Town seamlessly integrates hip-hop/hardcore and other various elements like Latin guitar together to create one of the most intriguingly satisfying releases of the year. Produced by Scrap 60 (Ill Nino), The Renaissance will bring instant gratification to those looking for a heavy experience with style.

Before you listen to it, to hear that rapping and metal are mixed together may sound like E.Town could be the newest Limp Bizkit rehash of rap metal. That’s not the case here. E.Town will completely dismiss what your vision of rap metal currently is. The lyrics are so perfectly blended into the music, that half the time you don’t even realize the singer Anthony Martini is rapping during most of the songs. Low growls relative to hardcore are there in perfect form, stimulating the experience of a true aggressive release. The guitars have an ideal heavy distortion to them, while the acoustical guitar pieces have crystal clear acoustics that show signs of impressive production. The exceptional bass lines and remarkable drumming further enhance the listening experience. Just about every song will get you up and moving, absorbing the fury, and releasing the rage.

Hatebreed’s Jamey Jasta and Ill Nino’s Cristian Machado make a special guest appearance on “Battle Lines”, one of the hottest songs on the album. The song is absolutely mind-blowing, leaving no remorse and pounding heavier than a bunker bomb on Iraq. It’s hardcore at its finest, a tribute to fans of hardcore everywhere. “Battle Lines”, “Baptism”, “Door Mats”, “Mandibles”, and “More Than Incredible” are tracks that will solidify E. Town Concrete’s “The Renaissance” as one of the best releases of the year. No wonder they have so much respect from fellow bands such as Posion the Well, Shai Hulud, Candiria, and Hatebreed. This band kicks all sorts of ass. On April 15th, if you’re looking to get a heavy CD to blow you away, buy this one. Support E. Town Concrete and go catch a show. I’ll be there in the crowds with you as well.