Complete Failure

Pittsburgh, PA's Complete Failure are exactly the opposite of what their moniker suggests when it comes to creating heavy, blistering grind- and punk-tinged hardcore. The Art Gospel of Aggravated Assault is the band's full-length follow-up to 2009's Heal No Evil, mixing vicious speed with crushing groove. The record begins with a killer opening bass line in opener "Mind Compf," before hammering drums and aggravated vocals kick in, leading into the visceral pummelling of "Errant Social Mile Marker," which is carried on throughout the title track and "Head Hanger to Be." Punk, crust and hardcore influences like Black Flag, Poison Idea and His Hero is Gone combine with a distinct Eyehategod vibe. Sludge undertones are present throughout, particularly on "Drag Migrator" and "Hero of the Church Herd," which feature slow, dragging riffs. Incorporating Nasum-like speed and Pig Destroyer-style songwriting, Complete Failure created a unique album without borrowing too much from their diverse inspirations.