When I review bands from my own scene I am often hesitant to heap praise upon them, given my participation in said scene. With Regalia, however, I have no such reservations, as it's all well deserved.
Formed in the wake of Crime Light’s decision to break up, Regalia continues where the former left off in many ways, while also making leaps and bounds in terms of evolving their sound.
In their debut demo, A House on the Beach is No Longer a Dream, Regalia isn't afraid to experiment or add elements that would seem out of place if other bands tried to pull them off.
While drawing from bands such as Agnostic Front, Judge, and Cro-Mags, the Columbus, Ohio-based band doesn't limit themselves to just New York Hardcore’s signature sound, with elements reminiscent of bands such as G.I.S.M. and Bastard peeking through often. The demo is also extremely catchy and danceable. Song after song, there are plenty of opportunities to move, and the music makes you want to do just that.
Described succinctly, Regalia’s sound is an extremely bleak, nihilistic interpretation of youth crew, that effectively spits sonic venom into your face.
The instrumentals on their own are amazing, but in addition, the vocals are a perfect match to the evil Youth Crew sound that Regalia pumps out. With a scratchy fury, Nessa (vocals) and Adrienne (guitar, vocals) deliver an unhinged performance in each and every song. The lyrics are in and of themself worth mentioning at length as well. They are both thoughtful, without being overwrought, and have a perfect mix of anger, disdain, and hopelessness.
In particular, the songs "Black Box" and "Every Woman" just blew me away. With lyrics such as “Mama mama can't you see, what this nation's done to me, they brought us here with no liberties, just to leave our bodies dead in the streets.” and “Slap me around, spit my face, grab my neck, look at me with hate, hold me down, Penetrate, cuz I feel like a woman when I feel unsafe.”
Regalia doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of black, queer, disabled, and feminine people who have to resist, survive, and die in the United States every day.
In sum, Regalia’s demo delivers banger after banger and pulls no punches while doing so. The demo is a mishmash of good hardcore, synthesized into an amazing demo. From most parts to amazing riffs to immaculate song structure, this demo delivers. Also, they even have a hair metal scream that feels right at home in "Black Box."
What more could you ask for?
***
You can keep up with Regalia via Instagram, purchase their demo on Bandcamp, and buy a physical tape soon via Charity Kill Records.
Tagged: regalia
