Much like their proverbial mentors in Pantera, Orange County's Throwdown are very much a band who stick to the "if it ain't broke then don't fix it" approach. A brawny display of bareknuckle metalcore, the band relish in pummeling breakdowns and charging verses that ensure each and every mosh pit is a flurry of whirling arms and reckless spinkicks.

Essentially, "Vendetta" is no different. A thick metal assault that finds the band a bit leaner than usual, the brutality level none the less remains the same. Crossbreed the works of Pantera with a band like Hatebreed, take out the technically challenging solos and focus on the straight-forward viciousness of it all and "Vendetta" is your end result.

A maelstrom of dense basslines, monstrous double-kick drumming, grinding riffs and brutish vocals that would make Phil Anselmo proud; Throwdown are one of the select few who can focus on the basic ideals of what metalcore has evolved into and make it work. That's not to say it's all old hat here though. Songs like "Discipline" see shunting riffs climax into an epic breakdown, that although borderline melodic, sacrifices none of its thunder.

With rock-solid production courtesy of Zeuss the band have delivered what is perhaps their vulgar display of metalcore and in that regard, this album doesn't disappoint. However, the band do practice a familiar song-writing formula which is straight-forward enough to hamper the albums longevity. Sure, the initial few listens are nothing short of bludgeoning. But with intensity favored over depth repeated listens barely leave a mark.