Living in a world of uncertainty, pain is bound to ensue. Through that pain is what gives a new perspective. Twenty years into their career, that is exactly what legendary Los Angeles hardcore band, Terror plans to deliver with their skull crushing new record, Pain into Power. Packed with an aggression and force unlike any of its predecessors, this album is bound to destroy venues across the world.
“It’s always crazy to think we have made it to the twenty-year mark. It’s been a wild ride. Still loving it, sometimes hating it too, but this is my life and I have much to be thankful for,” says vocalist Scott Vogel.
Vogel explains Terror’s consistency and success as “accepting who and what we are. We are comfortable being a hardcore band. We have ups and downs and ride them out– never letting the huge fests get to our heads and staying grounded and still loving a basement show or a show with no stage. We still love this scene and what it means. We still check for the young bands to keep up to speed on the energy of now, and at the same time, we don’t chase trends or mold to the times. We are Terror and always will be, and I think people appreciate that.”
It was never for the clout, but all for the genuine love of the game. This goes to say that even a giant needs its rest. After the release of their 2018 LP Total Retaliation, Terror took a break from the scene to later reunite in 2021. Vogel describes that period as a moment where “the band was more forced into a break, and to be honest, Terror is always so active and relentless it probably did us all some good. I wish it was under better circumstances, but sometimes you can’t see what’s coming until it hits.”
Vogel continues with assuring that, “as always, Terror did still persevere through the madness– we recorded some covers, released old songs that have been buried, did a session called Trapped in a World, and some other fun stuff. Maybe this was all to make us feel somewhat in our norm while watching the world eat itself alive. I personally moved back to Buffalo after about twenty years in LA and have tried to make the best inside the worst times I’ve seen.”
This period also brought back a familiar face into the mix. OG band member, producer, guitarist, and renaissance man, Todd Jones, emerged from the mists of the past to produce Pain into Power. Vogel’s says, “Todd is a fucking madman. He brought so much to this record. Not just his energy alone, but so many ideas in all directions. Todd, myself, and Nick started Terror, so it was pretty wild to have him be a part of this record twenty years later. I hope he comes to a show at some point, and we can get him on stage to jam a few of these songs.”
Now the moment we’ve all been for is just right around the corner for Terror’s eighth studio album, Pain into Power. Vogel describes Pain into Power as “unrelenting brutality from start to finish.” Listeners can compare this to their earlier EP, Lowest of the Low, in how it has “this same element, but Pain into Power pushes it to a new level. This record does not let up.”
A favorite track on Pain into Power for Vogel is “Unashamed.” He says, “the energy is perfect, in my eyes. It’s just got all the cool elements I love in a Terror song, and the breakdown hits fucking hard.”
The LP also contains notable features from an array of heavy-hitting vocalists, including guest appearances from Crystal Pak (Initiate), Madison Watkins (Year of the Knife), George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher (Cannibal Corpse), and Todd Jones (Nails). There’s plenty of raw versatility present. Vogel adds, “no one needs to hear me over and over on all these songs. Some good guest spots always add a cool element to records and Terror has always been a big fan of them on our releases. Much thanks to all who lent their voice on Pain into Power.”
The title of the record holds a heavy sentiment as well. Vogel describes the title’s significance as how “we all will encounter pain. This world is cruel and hard. Don’t let it break you. Turn your pain into power, tragedy to triumph. That’s kind of what we are expressing here.”
Terror’s lyrical content is often composed of juxtaposing lyrics elaborating on the negative while combating it with a positive outlook. Pain into Power takes a different approach. It resembles an outlook on the negativity of life and the current state of the world with little–to–no positivity. It’s like a raging bull being let out from its cage – never ceasing to stop its rage.
Vogel says, “it was hard to find anything positive to express on this record. There are small hints, but far and few in between. The lyrics on this record are darker because the world has darkened, and I feel less and less hope. I have always wanted to keep Terror a positive band, but in 2022 that has become tough if I’m being honest. We are living in a nightmare that will not stop. The support, creativity, friends, family, and the passion is what that keeps us going in the times of darkness.”
Watch the video for “Unashamed,” featuring Crystal Pak and Madison Watkins, here:
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Photo courtesy of Joe Calixto
