Cruel Hand-Prying Eyes
Bridge 9
October 14, 2008

Every review I've read about Prying Eyes has seemingly made it a point to mention two things: 1) Cruel Hand play metallic based hardcore that has become more popular than the punk based origins of hardcore, and 2) Cruel Hand aren't doing anything different, but they do it well. I hate to beat a dead horse, but I agree with both of those points.

Cruel Hand are what they are: a hardcore band with metallic influences that wants to get people moving dangerously in the mosh pit. I hear a lot of a Madball influence in this album with a New England vocal style instead of a New York one. The music is tight, and I enjoy the syncopation being displayed in the guitar work. It makes for a good breakdown, but they pull it off in a way that sounds more interesting than generic.

Written by: RF
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