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!
Target
Sick of It All Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You think it's passe
but you listen to the same fucking records
every single day
you don't like the people who caught on late
if they're having fun
don't participate, be lethargic
Sick of It All's song Target is a clear attack on music elitism and the idea of "gatekeeping" in the punk and hardcore scene. The lyrics point out the irony of those who claim to be "over" certain bands or sounds, yet continue to listen to them and judge others for not being "in the know." The song accuses these people of being hypocritical and even apathetic, implying that rejecting new or popular music is a way to avoid engaging with the world around them. In doing so, these individuals become the very target of their own criticism.
The repetition of the phrase "you're the target" creates a sense of frustration and anger towards those who gatekeep music. The song seems to be saying that music is meant to be enjoyed and shared by all, not just a select few who deem themselves as more knowledgeable or authentic. Moreover, the use of the word "lethargic" suggests that these gatekeepers are not only hypocritical, but also lazy and uncreative. The poetic structure of the song's lyrics add to the emotional impact and passionate delivery of the message.
Line by Line Meaning
You've seen it all before
You are so accustomed to everything that nothing surprises you anymore.
You think it's passe
You consider everything to be outdated and of no value anymore.
but you listen to the same fucking records
Despite claiming everything is insignificant, you haven't broadened your own horizons and still stick to the same stuff.
every single day
You refuse to break from your own routine and are content in doing monotonous things.
you don't like the people who caught on late
Even though you are no different from those who are ‘late', you judge them and don't like them for that.
if they're having fun
You don't like it when others have fun, as it brings upon feelings of discomfort in you.
don't participate, be lethargic
Instead of joining or celebrating, you prefer to sit back and be inactive or lazy.
you're a hypocrite, you're the target
Your grand claims of superiority, combined with your lack of effort to escalate or upgrade, make you a hypocrite and a target of ridicule.
Contributed by Benjamin E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
The Rev. Rockin Rollin
Was able to skip by coffee by just listening to this