In the past, Epitaph was a label like Fat Wreck Chords.
You could grab anything blindly. Everything they released was great.
That has changed somewhat over time. Epitaph has expanded its program, and some releases should be tested first.
“Living Proof“ by DRAIN is a reminiscence of the old days.
DRAIN comes from Santa Cruz (California) and does not play punk rock, which is what one might immediately think of when it comes to California. DRAIN plays hardcore, paired with a hefty portion of thrash metal.
The band toured in the spring with H2O and Madball, which is already a badge of honor, especially since the band had only one album out until then.
Are we talking about a hardcore shooting star here?
Well, that can't be completely dismissed.
On their second album “Living Proof“ (which translates to something like the living proof), they have definitely unleashed all the energy that is within them and their instruments. The vocals, in particular, are martial and full of power. I can see a person before me, ranting with rage and passion. You can almost see the singer as he screams at you with full force. They managed to capture that beautifully in the studio.
Alongside the great vocals, the bass, drums, and guitar are equally impressive. Especially the guitar and drums leave nothing to be desired in terms of power. Musical skill meets fat sound. It’s a blast.
It’s also very pleasant that DRAIN has a unique sense of humor. They are not trying to show that they are the coolest; rather, the band primarily wants to have fun together on stage and with the audience.
Big talk and show-off behavior are foreign to the band. How else can one explain that the band is currently promoting a swimsuit for both men and women? This is something to commend the band for, as in the hardcore scene, alongside many honorable causes, it often revolves around showing what a cool guy one is in the fish pond. DRAIN pleasantly stands out from the mass of hardcore bands.
“Living Proof“ is a roaring beast, a hit album, and anyone who doesn't know the band should catch up quickly. It’s no coincidence that DRAIN is also playing at Wacken Open Air this year!!
