U.K. hardcore giants Grand Collapse are back and once again I’m left sensing that the band has ramped up its sound to create an even more thunderous output, as has been the case in the past. It’s no surprise, really, given that the current state of the world has enough going on to make even the mildest mannered person occasionally flip their lid. Grand Collapse is a massive powder keg with a very short fuse. The band blends hardcore, punk, and metal so well and intensely that Empty Plinths is a real tour de force. Cal Sewell’s vocal delivery and the lyrics convey the rage many feel, and do so with power and conviction of someone not willing to shy away from injustices in society. As always with this band though, my first port of call is the drumming of Glenn Tew. He’s not just a powerhouse when sitting behind the kit but he plays a huge part in propelling the album along in an intricate yet manic way. He’s a joy to watch and to listen to. The more I hear Empty Plinths, the more I realise that this is one of the best hardcore bands around at the moment. –Rich Cocksedge (TNS, [email protected], tnsrecords.co.uk / Epidemic, [email protected], epidemicrecords.net /Don’t Trust The Hype, dtth.limitedrun.com / Mass Prod, [email protected], massprod.com)