From the opening rip of “CK Killer”, Amen’s major label debut is the answer to the question of “Is punk dead?” Casey Chaos and Co. have delivered an aural onslaught of rabid Sid Vicious-era dirty punk rock. It’s violent, spiteful, and screams the enemy is ourselves. Having risen from the sometimes sterile California music scene, Amen have experienced the battery of the road, indie label manipulation, and inner turmoil, all within their two and a half year existence. We Have Come For Your Parents signifies the end of quiet opposition to the drawls of society, and promises to heighten fear in any unsuspecting parents’ minds.
“Refuse Amen” is as spastic as it is inspiring, with climbing progressions of anger and hate and consumption of our helpless neighbors. “Ungrateful Dead” is their call out to those unwilling to say thanks or even recognize that people can be genuinely nice. Casey’s approach to writing encompasses everything from politics to government, religion to death. His message is as positive as he can convey, through emotional bursts of rage and sheer madness.
The album is apocalyptic punk rock for the new age of heavy music. They forged their path with last year’s self titled Roadrunner Records debut, and now they have extended their hands to take us on a reality scare of life in America today. They’re not happy with it, and for good reason. Our world is indeed as fucked as Casey says; some people just choose to ignore it.
+ rick hinkson
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