Sick Of It All: Built To Last

The Koller Brothers may look like they're in their late 30s or early 40s, but as the vocal/guitar spine of Sick Of It All, they shed 20 years the moment the music starts. Built To Last seems like the unfortunate title of a pathetic new Rolling Stones or Aerosmith album, but there's no pose here: For over 10 years, Sick Of It All has poured on the energy, turned up the volume, and cranked out some of the best hardcore to date. Problem is, even the best hardcore is no longer particularly surprising or shocking. Indeed, with a well-placed video, Built To Last could be a big success, crossing over into punk, metal and every other angst-filled, shout-along white suburban teen genre. SOIA knows its job well enough to include a fair share of hitworthy anthems, shackling them to racing rhythms and chopping guitar riffs for maximum effectiveness. Is this in any way bad Hell, no. Sick Of It All has been at it for so long, it deserves the recognition. Only sourpuss punk purists would deny the band that privilege.