Living in a town (Barneveld, Netherlands) which is best known for having the world’s largest manufacturer of egg grading and packing machines must be challenging and frustrating in equal measures. So it’s no wonder that the young guns in Despicable Heroes wanted to vent some of their energy through metalcore and hardcore. The band was started in 2010 by Kevin Bos (screams & guitar) and Gino van Middendorp (bass), before adding Sam Rijken (drums).

During their first year they took part in a local band competition, winning the semi-finals, at the finals of the provincial band contest in Willemeen, Arnhem during the GESEL XL weekend. They describe their style as “combining true hardcore riffing and massive polyrhythmic breakdowns”. Despicable Heroes signed with Unite Records and enlisted Dimitri Stolk as the producer for their debut album, “Shipwrecked” which was released in May 2013.

As most of the tracks weigh in below the four minute mark, it’s a reminder of hardcore punk as they are short, sharp and to the point. But that is countered by the technical drumming, time changes, gruffly screamed vocals and metalcore riffs that can be heard in ‘The Stand’. Towards the end it grinds to a halt with leaden guitar, before ramping up the tension in ‘Walls’, which features guest vocals from Koen Vroom (Ashes of Many) and a shredding guitar solo.

They could have done with more verses in ‘Grey To Black’ as they sing through the whole of the lyrics twice over. However, this is rectified by ‘Seven’ which also has a more varied song structure. “Like vultures we fly high and higher / This is what brings us to the fight, tonight, tonight / Set the trap, wake the dead, see in my eyes, you liar! / Just stab me in the back and collect the fire that burns in my eyes.”

One of my personal favourites is ‘I’ll Fight Back’ with excellent riffing, pointed lyrics and rising aggression. ‘No Way Back’ slows down the tempo before they unleash ‘Opened Eyes’, which makes use of a gang vocal section. They save the longest song (Shipwrecked) for last, with its tale of desolation. “Be prepared for it is coming, you must decide / Do you choose for humbleness or do you pick your pride? / Does your mind make your decisions, or are you lead by heart? / Will you take the easy way or pick the hardest path?”

Rating: 7/10

Reviewed by Peter John Willoughby

Tracks:
1. The Stand
2. Walls
3. Grey To Black
4. Seven
5. I’ll Fight Back
6. No Way Back
7. Opened Eyes
8. Shipwrecked

Band members:
Kevin Bos – Vocals & Guitar
Gino van Middendorp – Bass
Sam Rijken – Drums

Record Label: Unite Records, May 2013

Weblinks: Website / Facebook/ Twitter

Buy the album here:
Holland: First Paradox
Norway: Nordic Mission
USA: Metal Helm

Video below ‘Walls’ [ft. Koen Vroom from Ashes of Many]

Video below ‘Grey to Black’ [live]