A lot has happened since the last Ryker release in 2019. The world we have known so far has changed massively, and certainly not for the better. Does this have an influence on one of the constants within Europe's hardcore scene? Yes, it has! Ryker's comment on the past few years with a brutally dark hate projectile only gives you an idea of how much frustration and anger must have accumulated here. The return of original frontman Kid.D., who verbally gives free rein to his aggression, fits the new songs like a fist to the eye. Musically, Ryker's has moved closer to classic albums such as First Blood and Brother Against Brother, but in a contemporary way. The rhythm section around drummer Flo and bassist Chris forms a brutal sound carpet, Steve knocks out one murderous riff after the other, and Fusel's leads cover the spectrum from Thrash to Punk confidently. The opener, "When the dam has broken' does not take prisoners and sets the direction. The angry 'Bread & Circuses' storms behind energetically and will certainly develop into a live classic with its brute gangshouts and moshparts. "Ours Was a Noble Cause" is heavy and dark and reminiscent of songs like "True Colors" from the "Brother Against Brother" record. The fact that Ryker's feels comfortable in all areas of extreme music is shown by 'Mentally Unlocked'. The old Slayer is brilliantly honoured here. In general, the lyrics are more evil, sarcastic, and sometimes even melancholic this time. "Death Divides/Death Unites" is thought-provoking, "The Road to Better" comes up with an unexpected two-part guitar solo, and "Always Forgive/Never Forget" shows how to integrate a guest singer (Rich O'Brien-Darkside NYC) absolutely profitably. The final UK Subs anthem, "Riot", rounds off the whole package excellently in every respect. The disc sounds organic and spontaneous; one could almost think that everything had been recorded live, so exquisite energy and rawness were preserved. As always, the whole thing was refined by long-time producer and friend Andy Classen, who understood the spirit of the troupe and raised it to a new level. 1. When The Dam Has Broken

2. Bread & Circusses

3. Don't Bother Me

4. Mentally Unlocked

5. Ours Was A Noble Cause

6. Always Forgive Never Forget

7. Blasts From The Past

8. Death Divides...Death Unites

9. The Road To Better

10. Riot