Doubtlessly the band’s hardest hitting effort to date, 'Based On A True Story' easily meets the high quality of its predecessor and offers tons of soon-to-be-classic hardcore hymns like 'Dominated', 'Long As She’s Standing', 'The Divide' and 'Lowest Common Denominator. It features the most catchy and powerful material the band has ever written. It’s astonishing to see the band still boiling with rage at a world gone wrong and successfully transforming this natural and honest aggressiveness into hardcore hits. Two decades of experience as skilful songwriters, endless touring, plus an undying hardcore spirit make SICK OF IT ALL anno 2010 sound stronger and more determined than ever. 'Based On A True Story' is undeniable proof that the quartet is simply unstoppable and unrivalled within the hardcore scene in terms of quality and sheer impact.
Formed during 1986 in Queens, the band released their first self-titled EP on Revelation Records and began to accumulate a strong local following by playing famous clubs like CBGBs ('A Month Of Sundays' actually pays tribute to these glorious days at this legendary venue). Soon after, the band released their first full-length record 'Blood Sweat And No Tears' on In-Effect Records. Often revolving around politics, social injustices and life on the streets of New York, the band wore their heart on their sleeve and made no apologies, often including threads of positivity. When their second album 'Just Look Around' was released in 1992, it was a benchmark for the band and the New York hardcore scene, and kicked off their globe-trotting expansion with tours in Europe, South America and Japan. They released their breakthrough album 'Scratch The Surface' in 1994 on Atlantic, followed by the seminal album 'Built To Last' in 1997. After releasing three albums on Fat Wreck Chords, as well as a live album and a collection of rarities, the band took on the challenge to push themselves further. 'Death To Tyrants' was the band’s first cooperation with Century Media and was mixed by renowned metal producer Tue Madsen (The Haunted, Heaven Shall Burn, Dark Tranquillity,) adding a refreshingly heavy edge to the band’s trademark NYHC sound. 'Death To Tyrants' was extremely well received by media and fans alike and followed up with three years of relentless touring.
The new album was also recorded with Tue Madsen, this time at Starstruck Studios in Copenhagen in Copenhagen, Denmark, resulting in a massive metallic heaviness which increases the punch and drive of the new opus. Craig Ahead (bass) comments: “The end result of our three and a half weeks in the studio is something that we are all very proud of. An album that is pure SICK OF IT ALL and will stand up against any of our previous work and I believe raises the bar to a new standard. I hope you enjoy our offerings. We look forward to its release so we can again stomp the world. See you on tour!“ To walk the talk, the band plays a European tour with Dropkick Murphys in January/February 2010, followed by a UK run with AFI in April. More festival shows and touring activities are in the works.
'Based On A True Story' is another sonic statement that SICK OF IT ALL are an institution of hardcore. Their longevity and conviction has kept the band’s reputation untarnished and legendary. As Metal Hammer (UK) puts it: “SICK OF IT ALL – despite their ever-increasing age and fierce competition – are still the finest spokesmen for hardcore’s social conscience and values”, and this new release will allow them to maintain this leading position for many years to come!
On the Brink
Sick of It All Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We'd kill for something to happen
When we're on the brink
We'd kill for something to do
Another day, another night that seems like an eternity
Another day, another night that someone might
Turn this boredom around
The bad will, the malicious kind of thrill
Keeps the boredom down
Another victim, another crime
Misadventure, a tragic use of idle time
Another victim, another crime
The excitement of straying from the straight line
The lyrics of "On The Brink" by Sick of It All speaks on the feeling of boredom and restlessness that can lead to reckless behavior. When one is on the brink of boredom, they become willing to do almost anything to escape their monotony, even if that means engaging in destructive actions. The song suggests that in these moments, people are willing to kill for something to do or for something to happen. This mindset is dangerous because it leads to negative consequences, like violence and crime, in the pursuit of stimulation.
The song delves deeper into the issues within society that exacerbate these feelings of restlessness. The lyrics mention the presence of drugs, violence, and stupidity as a means of entertainment, provided by malicious individuals. These elements become a way of keeping the boredom at bay, but they ultimately lead to tragic outcomes. The song makes a strong statement about the dangers of boredom and the lengths people will go to avoid it.
Overall, "On The Brink" is a cautionary tale of the perils of boredom and the consequences of seeking out stimulation by any means necessary.
Line by Line Meaning
When we're on the brink
Being so close to boredom and monotony that we'd do anything to escape it
We'd kill for something to happen
Longing for any kind of excitement or change in routine even if it means hurting ourselves or others
When we're on the brink
When we're feeling hopeless and stranded in the mundane
We'd kill for something to do
Willing to put ourselves in danger just to feel something different
Another day, another night that seems like an eternity
Every day feels the same, dragging on and on without any purpose
Another day, another night that someone might
Sometimes someone might come along and change the course of things
Turn this boredom around
Bring some joy and excitement into our lives
See the drugs, see the violence and the pure stupidity
The temptations around us that offer a brief escape from boredom but also harm and danger
The bad will, the malicious kind of thrill
How temptation can lead to harmful actions and cruel intentions
Keeps the boredom down
Temptation is the only thing we have to ward off boredom
Another victim, another crime
The inevitable consequences of giving in to temptation and straying from what is right
Misadventure, a tragic use of idle time
Making bad choices because we have nothing better to do with our time
The excitement of straying from the straight line
The misguided thrill of going against what is expected or moral
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Nick Phoenix
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind