Pennsylvania's long-running metal-hardcore outfit
Anthrophobia delivered its first national release,
Pulse, in 1997, after toiling on the independent circuit for over a decade. The band's style, which melds the early hardcore chops of bands like
Bad Brains with the more simplistic approach of
Helmet, is well-represented in this solid set. Lead vocalist
Frank Phobia spews his paranoid diatribes over a churning bed of metallic, angst-driven grooves, delivered with a no-nonsense (i.e., guitar solo-free) aesthetic. Sometimes the band sounds like Quicksand fronted by
Rob Zombie. Guest contributor
Jeff Davis adds some rap-style vocals and scratching to some of the tracks, which may sound like
Limp Bizkit to some, although it's more likely inspired by
Phobia heroes
Faith No More. The band improves their sound on the follow-up, 1999's
In the Zero to 3 Movement.