Downset // Maintain

Label // Nuclear Blast Records

5 out of 5 high fives

Downset hit the scene in 1993 and the world has changed a lot since then. They were so head of their time that their latest release (Maintain) 29 years later still carries the original ethos of the band, yet does not feel dated our lyrically out of step. An album that drops PMA in the first 30 seconds of an album was sure to find it's way to the site.

Maintain has a bit of an updated roster, as usual fronted by the indomitable Ray Oropeza on vocals, the original guitar work of Rogelio Lozano, and new comers Phillip Gonzales, and NYHC veteran Bobby (Blood) Ponte.

The albums title track opens with a dirty and crawling bass line stirring up an energetic 2-step which properly set's up Rey for a breakdown designed to bring that positive style in a way only Downset is capable of. Lyrically this album is what you would expect from Downset, critiques of gang life, wisdom and hopeful offerings all mixed with urban references, Biblical illustrations, mixed with the mystery of a masonic temple. Equal parts inspiring as mystical. From opening track until the end this album carries the same energy originally found on their 1994 self titled album. Packed full of marauding breakdowns, great production work, and some of (if not the) best dreary vocals Ray has pulled off to date. Downset has released one of their top albums. If you are looking for a pick me up , this is will do!

Maintain

"As long as we got the will to drive with that PMA Face to face we can multiply, confront and slay all day Seven seals will be broken and mysteries will be explained Modern equations of data will be tested in the flames"

Favorite Track:

"Maintain"

Listen & Buy it here