Review by Dave Wolff
Rating: *****
http://www.pro-pain.com
http://www.myspace.com/propainspace
http://regainrecords.com
http://www.myspace.com/regainrecords
Pro-Pain are every bit as angry as when former Crumbsuckers frontman Gary Meskil founded the band in the early 90s. Which is a refreshing diversion from the endless stream of emo and screamo and nu-metal the industry has been deluged with for the past several years. While some are convinced that overdone vulnerability sells, Pro-Pain convey the fire of determination to those seeking something more honest and genuine. Rather than swim with the tribe and make efforts to please the majority they have stuck by their guns, sharpening the formula that made Foul Taste Of Freedom and The Truth Hurts mainstream standouts. Their music is succinctly described as being aggressive, meticulous, and passionate, and this is really all you need to know concerning them. CBGB and Coney Island High are relegated to the history books of New York City thrash-core crossover, but Absolute Power sustains the gritty, down to earth impressions of attending shows and connecting with whoever is playing on a one-to-one basis in which neither party is above the other. Meskil likewise sustains the subtle diversity in sound that he contributed to the Crumbsuckers in the 80s. Granted there are some melodic elements written into the songs comprising Absolute Power, however they serve to enhance the prominent caustic aggression suggested by such titles as “Unrestrained,” “Hell On Earth,” “Hate Coalition” and “Destroy The Enemy.” Judging by their longevity and the favorable reviews it has received from several print and internet publications, it should be obvious to any detractors that they know what they’re doing. The final song “Godspeed” fittingly represents rejection of a society that by the individual who that society rejected, in favor of seeking the absolute power within.