Kenneth W. (Eyesore) from TAUNTON, MA Reviewed on 12/4/2007...
Once upon a time a hardcore fan could trust in Victory Records to release quality hardcore and punk. They had a vision and they were selective in who they signed, if you liked one album from a Victory band you could buy an album they released by a band you didn't know and pretty much be guaranteed that you'd like it. The same could be said for the Christian hardcore label Tooth & Nail Records (at least their hardcore albums). T&N bands like Strongarm and The Blamed were killer, No Innocent Victim was just as good, if not better. I first began digging on T&N bands by way of a compilation CD that featured a bunch of their hardcore acts. The first No Innocent Victim song I heard was on this album and it was called "Strength (In Christ)." I fucking loved it! Kind of odd coming from someone that believes Christianity to be a complete joke, but I loved that song, still do, in fact. Eventually both T&N and Victory threw their vision out the window and began signing all kinds of bands -- Victory have even signed a techno band, for fuck's sake! -- and you can't find any info on their earlier bands on their sites, bands like Strongarm, Strife, Doughnuts, etc.! It's annoying.
Anyswayze...No Innocent Victim eventually switched teams and signed with Victory and released Flesh & Blood and Tipping The Scales, both albums took on a faster, heavier and more metal sound and sort of came off as a second-rate Earth Crisis. Not bad, but not nearly as good as their first two albums. They've since left Victory for Facedown Records and I'm happy to say they've gotten back to their hardcore roots with To Burn Again, they even re-recorded "Open," "Stand" and "Paid In Full" from their now out-of-print sophomore release No Compromise. This is what Hatebreed wish they were. This is an excellent traditional hardcore album. Who cares if they love Jesus?
"THIS ALBUM ROCKS!!! WELCOME BACK NIV!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow what an awesome cd. Were do I start about this album. The vocals are ferce and mean which is awesome. The guitars could use alittle work but there still pretty good. The bass is good to. The durms ROCK BEYOUND ALL DOUBT!!! The breakdowns rule. PLus they do it all for God which makes the value on this cd even better. This album is definately a big step in the right direction for Hardcore. THIS IS HARDCORE IN YOUR FACE!!! BUY THIS NOW!!!"
Christian hardcore for hardcore Christians
Malachi | NJ, USA | 11/11/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Okay, i have only heard a few songs from this cd so far, but i have heard every other cd by them, and i have found them all amazing. i thought it might be hard to top "flesh and blood" but i think that they have done it. and coming from a band that got back together because of the lack of integrity and sincerety in the christian hardcore scene, you have got to give them some respect for their devotion for what they stand for. give it up for NIV, some great hardcore to just mosh to and to remind yourself to stand strong in the face of adversity in your faith. blessings."
Blown away
yuyumetal2020 | USA | 07/01/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"No Innocent Victim is one of the best hardcore bands of the scene today. Really good stuff. Hard, fast, and heavy. Most definitely the best release to date from hardcore patriots No Innocent Victim. Another must own for any hardcore fan"
A great release by hardcore veterans
Rockey Jordan | shreveport, La USA | 05/01/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"this review is in response to a good album and to the moron the wholefnshow. first off his name says volumes about what kind of person he is and second of all what bliss ignorance is. niv is not a religous band,, they are a christian band(big difference). Also there are plenty of christian bands that are hard. anyway to the cd. niv have been putting out great records for a long time and this one isnt any different. its not going to awe you with its originality, but who listens to hardcore foe originality, its all been done before. but it will hit with force and passion which these guys are well known for. plus they are awesome guys. i had breakfast with them in portland,or after the played the tomfest back in 96. great to talk to and now faking their sincerity. if you like good hardcore buy it."
Appearently to burn anew is synonomous with being a light
Daniel | Eagle River, AK, USA | 12/16/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"this album brings about a force those of us in high school church youth groups in the mid ninetees felt and rallied to all over again. two of the songs on this were brought back from an album ten years old. that album was called no compromise. i guess nothing has changed with their convictions. the years may have given them more ink and former members from xdisciplexa.d. but the are still as passionate about their savior as they were when we were all little kids listening to hoody hardcore. all we need now is for further seems forever to turn back into strongarm."