California's Uphill Battle kick up one hell of a storm on their Relapse Records debut of the same name which brings together grind, metal, and hardcore in a an appropriately destructive manner following from a host of bands who have laid down new ground rules of what extreme music can entail. With the exaggerated and complex style of Dillinger Escape Plan and the drumming ferocity of label mates Burnt By The Sun we have what seems an exciting proposition.

First track 'Next On The Misery List' is fast, hectic and at times dark as its ebbs and flows or rather less gracefully pushes and shoves between styles in a truncated manner that often cuts off in mid riff. You aren't disappointed in the least though as the ensuing riff punches at your bowels; A feeling which stays with you for at least the next couple of tracks. This stealth approach of unpredictability is a common trait throughout with its ever-shifting tempo, held together by an awesome vocal performance in what is a barrage of intense vocals and music. The convulsed screaming of the front man are desperate sounding as he stretches his vocal chords to the very limit and ends up sounding all the better for it.

The album does get a little tired towards the end and many people will fail to grasp the chaotic nature of the music. Sure this cd isn't for everybody but if you are looking for challenging, technical, diverse hardcore music, here it is. One gripe that cant be so easily deflected is the vague similarities of some of the songs which seamlessly blur into the next, meaning its not so much entire songs you will remember but parts of them. Regardless, for such early days in a bands career Uphill Battle are sure to figure highly in the estimations of extreme music fans and what better a starting point than this debut.