First I would like to apologize for this late review of the material released back in 2023, but it’s not all due to my laziness, as this CD landed relatively late at my doorstep. I’m talking of a band named Downshot, a Maastricht (The Netherlands) based metallic/hardcore/punk band with a rapcore feel, part of the M-Town Rebels HC-scene and founding fathers of SHC (Southside Hardcore). They’re considered to be Dutch hardcore veterans as they’re active since the 90s.

A concept album entitled Endgame was their first official release since their hiatus and reunion during the COVID-19 era. This 14-tracker CD was released via WTF Records. All fourteen tracks are forceful & blistering, masterfully mixing that mid-‘90s Eurocore sound with metal and rap. It resulted in a long-player that breathes nostalgia/old-school attitude, and at the same time incorporating a modern hardcore feel.

Hannover- (Germany) based ghetto metal powerhouse rapper, Daniel Gun provided a blistering and impressive guest appearance on “Unleashed,” while Becca appeared on “See the Light” for a powerful duet guest performance with her husband, longtime Downshot vocalist Bef. I like the mix of rap vocals and metal energy delivered on the instruments. Another track with interesting story, and ditto delivery, is “Brightside”. In fact, the Brightside’s track “Downshot” inspired the members to name their band, and now these guys decided to return the favor on this album by covering the track, “Brightside”.

Watch the official video (and second single) from the crew from the infamous “M-Town Rebels” scene below. This particular song, and the video that accompanies it, takes the listener/viewer back all the way to the glorious 90s and early 2000s, where some authentic Downshot SHC images were used, carefully compiled to follow the lyrics that tell a tale of the onslaught caused by the band live on stage and on these (M-Town) streets. According to the band; ‘…the track is more or less the follow-up to “Balcony of Terror” by Firezone, the band Downshot members Bob and BEF were in back in 2010.’ The only con of this record is its length and lack of variety towards the end, but they compensate it by delivering some potent and catchy NYHC-inspired energetic performances.

Even from this time distance, Endgame sounds old-school and fresh without losing its relevance. Endgame is wrapped up in a really great eye-catching and striking packaging, and with nice cover-art photo, which hits the spot. Especially recommended for fans of a so-called Eoropean rapcore/hardcore/punk and bands like Backfire, Biohazard, Direction, Body Count, Fury Of Five and similar acts.

Find more on Downshot and all their previous and more recent work at https://wtfrecords.eu/downshot/