The Casualties

Talk on the streets is there's a backlash against the Casualties (appearing on Sunday, July 18, at Invesco Field as part of the Vans Warped Tour) by self-righteous old-schoolers armed with accusations of "sell-out" and, of course, the perennial standby, "poseurs." Those knee-jerk slanders should be laid to rest, however, with the first spin of On the Front Line's ferocious barrage: the lightning fast battery Meggers (apparently surnames are superfluous for this crew) inflicts upon his unwitting drum kit, and Jorge's decrepit barking is a welcome break from teen pleasers like New Found Charlotte. His vicious military chanting strengthens the simple but sticky hardcore melodies; while guitarist Jake fires riffs off like he's Tony Montana. And recording the disc at Bill "Black Flag" Stevenson's Blasting Room studio in Fort Collins certainly didn't hurt matters.

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More About

• Warped Tour
• Invesco Field
• Tony Montana
• Fort Collins
• Black Flag (Musical Group)

However, whereas the delivery is sweet terror, the subject matter is a path beaten hard by many combat boots before: An army of street thugs accused of a crime they didn't commit vows allegiance to our heroes. This paramilitary organization then roams the night in search of revenge, justice or beer -- whichever comes first. The Casualties' music is just as valid -- and hackneyed -- as love ballads; for those more inclined to bare knuckles than baring their souls, it's the same level of cliche with just a bit more bite.