European hardcore scene is alive and well and pulsing with life and inspiration. ManifeStatioN from Germany release their new record via Dedication Records and it was my privilege to listen to the new record and review it for this webzine.

The Germans from Saarland area started the band in 1996., but the real start of the band goes back in 2001. After several lineup changes and gaining new, fresh blood in the band with the new bass player and drummer in 2016.it was time to reveal the new record.

The record contains 12 songs of hardcore that somehow nostalgically reminds me of the 90-ies but done in a modern and fresh way. If I must compare the music to some bands which I hate doing, then it would be early Madball, Ryker˙s and Brightside. That means brutal, groovy and aggressive hardcore but also with some surprising melodic undertones like for example in excellent There´s a Light for which the video was made and you can watch it below. The vocals are angry, shouted with gang back vocals here and there just made for singing along at the gigs. I also feel the European hardcore spirit from the 90-ies like in the song called False Mirror. I love the mix of brutality and anthemic melody in Time Through My Hands. For me one of the absolute highlights of this record is for sure Keep It Together being short but sweet hardcore little hymn. This is a strong in your face no holds barred hardcore record!

8/10

https://www.facebook.com/Manifestationhc/

https://www.facebook.com/dedication.records.bad.salzuflen/