Stray From The Path VILLIANS

Across the span of two previous full-length CDs--AUDIO PROZAC and OUR OCEANIA--and constant gigging, Long Island quintet Stray from the Path has honed their blend of hardcore and metal to a skin-flaying precision on 2008's VILLAINS. Perhaps it's the intensity of their touring schedule (and the devoted grassroots following Stray from the Path have built), but this disc percolates with a refreshingly D.I.Y. attitude. The music, all pummeling drums and skull-crushing guitars, takes no prisoners, but hardcore fans will surely find themselves willing enough to sacrifice their eardrums on the first spin of VILLAINS

• Format: CD
• Genre: Pop