Graduates of my yearly 12 Newer Hardcore Bands to Check Out list in 2022, I ride for Contention. While there are more bands playing metallic-flavored hardcore than ever before, very few of them do it as well as the Tampa, Florida quintet.
Formed in 2019, Contention emerged from the Sunshine State with a 3-song promo that same year, following it up with 2021's superb Laying Waste to the Kingdom of Oblivion EP. 2022 saw the group drop the Summer Offensive EP, another clinic in metallic hardcore.
Contention have set the bar high, but I have little doubt they'll disappoint on their just-announced the forthcoming May release of their debut album, Artillery From Heaven. Tracked with John Howard at War House Studio (Casey Jones, Yashira) in Gainesville, Florida, the band are referring to the 10-song collection as an “apocalyptic straight edge album.”
Along with the Artillery From Heaven announcement, Contention also just dropped “In the Land of Nod," an absolute heater from the album. Basically, if you're a fellow fan Arkangel, Day of Suffering, and the H8000 era, you'll have a big dumb smile on during the song's 2:20 duration:
Contention vocalist Cosmo revealed the inspiration behind the "In the Land of Nod" lyrics:
“This track is about watching friends and loved ones succumb to their addictions. If you’ve experienced this, you understand the feelings of betrayal and powerlessness I wrote about. Having my life turned upside down over and over by other people’s addictions has made me very wary of associating with addicts of any kind. If that sounds callous to you, then count yourself lucky you haven’t had the same experiences.”
In addition to their album's release, Contention will be heading on a run of East Coast dates in May, surrounding their appearance at the Ephyra showcase in Connecticut alongside Balmora, Tourniquet, Since My Beloved, and Domain, among other bands.
Artillery From Heaven will be out on May 3rd via DAZE (pre-order).
Contention tour dates:
May 8 - Atlanta GA @ Ideal Sports Bar
May 9 - Roanoke VA @ Flying Panther Skate Shop
May 10 - Philadelphia PA @ Lithuanian Club
May 11 - East Haven CT @ The Beeracks @ Ephyra Showcase
May 12 - Norfolk VA @ Chicho's Backstage
May 13 - Charlotte NC @ The Milestone Club
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