Genre: Hardcore/sludge
Origin: USA
Released: 2008
Website: -
Label: Profane Existence Records
Uploaded: 09.07.08

Almost 78 minutes of music by a band I�ve never heard of before, but when I�m promised gloomy crust/hardcore in the vein of Dystopia I really get my hopes up. To the bitter end� a discography is just that; a discography of State of the Union, containing their LP and two 7�s, plus five unreleased tracks. So I�m definitely pummeled with State of the Union tunes. Unfortunately I can�t play the opening track. I don�t know if the CD got fucked up in the mail on its way here, or if it was a mess-up at the pressing plant, but I�ve tried playing it in three different players, plus my computer, and it just doesn�t work after about a minute or so�
But what oozes from my speakers, if I just skip track one, is without a doubt Dystopia-reeking, angst-ridden, gloomy crust/hardcore. The high-pitch shrieks feels very typical for said band, but there�s something missing� The sound is a bit weak, too weak to really make an impact. And on my behalf I have to say that the rock n rollish tempo and guitar work that meets me. It just stinks of rock n roll, and I can�t stand the shit. It reminds me all too well of Akimbo. And that is really the case for the first few tracks (that I suspect to be the unreleased ones), but as soon as Nate 6 6 6 sets in, it seems to take on a different approach. What we have here is a sludgy, mood-filled tune, with harsh screams and samples to get the negative emotions flowing. The sound is harsher and more fitting, creating a dirty and raw atmosphere.
The drum work is quite unconventional, and much more experimental than you might find in other bands of the genre(s), and the guitar and bass can sometimes take on a 70ies progressive, psychedelic sound. And I�d have to say that �progressive� is the keyword for State of the Union, as it�s no way near any sort of conforming or conventionality. It can sound raw and brutal, harsh and gloomy, experimental and psychedelic, drawing influences from all over the place. But what also happens is that too many bland songs are mixed in with the really interesting ones, making the outcome way too long and boring. It�s difficult to stay focused. However I suspect this might be one of those records that I just don�t really get, but that others will love.

Tracklist:
01. Song number one
02. Like a thousand suns
03. Turned off
04. Ghetto blaster
05. Rez-erection (2000)
06. Nate 6 6 6
07. Access denied
08. Ragin�
09. Solitude
10. Kiro
11. Untitled one
12. Divine motherhood
13. Communion
14. Shotgun memorial ritual
15. Rez-erection
16. Speech of the high one
17. Faith
18. Opiate
19. Monolith