Smash Hit Combo - 'Deus Ex' - Review

BAND. Nowadays everyone knows (and righfuly) loves the likes of Landmvrks, Novelists, Resolve, ten56. and such, but credit where credit's due, Smash Hit Combo walked so the the rest could run so fast today. To this day, Nolife (2009) remains one of rapcore's all time classics, as relevant and hardhitting as it was back then, when France still wasn't so well represented on the global metalcore landscape. Relentless as ever, the veterans return once again almost 9 years since their last full LP, with a hugely anticipated new record Deus Ex.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArjiyCWFNuA

REVIEW. Trademark French right-in-your-face, no-bs, nu-metal-infused rapcore of the highest order. Several years in the making, it is great to finally get all those singles in their well-deserved album context, a collection so tight and disarming, it might just be Smash Hit Combo's most purposeful and punching release in a decade. Deus Ex goes by quick, hits hard and leaves a mark, alongside a burning desire to immediately give it another play and dive even deeper.

SONGS. No skips from start to end, opening magnificently with 'Taylor' setting just the right mood for the scene. The LP follows the familiar 'Kaneda' and 'MCP' before unleashing chaos with the faultless 'Split (Part 1)' or one minute of pure Smash Hit Combo mayhem that pretty much sums up the entire experience. From there, 'Paranoid' remains a proper arena highlight, joined in by the anthemic 'Terreur Nocturne', and leading towards the final act together for 'Deadline' to delivers the smooth final blow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SO3JtET0mlo

OVERALL. Im all up for new music 24/7, NewMusicFriday is my playground, but you gotta support the OGs that gave the scene their all so we can enjoy it in its brilliance today. Class is indeed permanent, and this is a class record by a class act. Rapcore was never the most exciting and promising subgenres but Smash Hit Combo have consistently made it sound like a true piece of art, Deus Ex another proof of their legacy in all its raw power, playful swagger and pristine Frenchness.

Smash Hit Combo - 'Deus Ex'

Country: France

Release: 29 May

Label: DarkTunes Music Group