Although some may dismiss Philadelphia's
Punishment as just another cookie-cutter hardcore band, upon even the first listen it's obvious that the group throws a little more diversity into the mix than many of its counterparts. Much of the album does run along metalcore lines, but there are other influences that flow through the songs, including death metal and old-school hardcore. On some of the songs the vocals go into serious death metal growls, and yet on the same song there may be old-school gang vocals backing things up. In some ways, this take on the hardcore sound is reminiscent of such acts as
Creation Is Crucifixion or
Circle of Dead Children, albeit with its own unique take. At the same time, fans of
Hatebreed and
Madball could certainly get into this sound as well. Not a bad album, and it certainly shows off the possible variety and creativity that even hardcore bands can maintain in their sound.