Crank this to 9.4 of 11 - Editors' Pick
Released: 2019
Genre: Hardcore
Sounds Like: The Jesus Lizard, Unsane, Drive Like Jehu
Missouri’s own Nerver (formerly the band Celebration) and their first full length album Believer’s Hit is a dandy. Now for some odd reason the band prefers not to make the members names readily available. We give it a few fucking Google attempts and then give up. So from here on out we will be vague in our name calling. Believer’s Hit contains some exceptional song structure and is well-suited for the hardcore fan that enjoys change-ups and variety. The bass player absolutely shines on this album. Much akin to bassist David Wm. Sims of the Jesus Lizard, the bass player is the core of what make this album. Lead vocalist John Doe is impressive throughout with quite a range of angst and ability to deliver different angles for the listener.
Track Listing:
1. Lobotomobile (2:31)
2. Deserves the Ground (1:57)
3. Boilermaker Please (2:41)
4. Getting Dragged 101 (1:56)
5. No Song to Stop the Rain (2:39)
6. Imminent Death Syndrome (2:54)
7. Pissing Gold (2:46)
8. Congratulations (2:50)
9. God Sat This One Out (3:03)
10. We Had Encountered a Meta-Psuchotic (4:17)
Standout Track:
"God Sat This One Out" has everything we want in a bass-heavy hardcore song. The breakdown moment at the 1:28 mark is absolutely brilliant. With Acid Bath depth, the grinding change-up is exhilarating.
Brew Pairing:
To accompany Believer’s Hit we need something that will grow hair on your chest (male or female). Nothing better than a Missouri based imperial stout that hits 11% ABV. Barrel-Aged Abraxas Perennial Artisan. This beer is aged Twelve months in Rittenhouse Rye barrels with cacao nibs, vanilla beans, ancho chiles & cinnamon sticks
ROTATION RECAP:
Captivation and Variety
9.2 out of 11
Weight of the Heavy
9.7 out of 11
Fretwork Prowess
9.7 out of 11
Bass Undercurrent
10.2 out of 11
Originality
9.3 out of 11
Overall Album Flow
9.4 out of 11
Contrast
8.8 out of 11
Album Cover Aesthetics
8.7 out of 11
Production Value
9.0 out of 11
Final Thoughts:
There is nothing like the rawness of a good hardcore band. Our senses are further heightened by the infusion of math-rock elements throughout Believer’s Hit. Nerver show exceptional poise in the first full-length. The album is solid from start to finish and will heavily engage fans of Unsane and the Melvins. This is a clear editor’s pick for us and a must have for your collection of the heavy.