A quarter-century into their run, Winnipeg’s reigning heavy hitters drop their eighth LP, Chosen Hell (out via SharpTone Records), proving they aren’t just surviving, they’re thriving on their own terms. Following up 2022’s Heavy Steps, the Canadian quintet tapped producer Will Putney to dial up the sonic grit, creating an 11-track powerhouse that hits like a freight train while exploring surprisingly deep emotional territory.
Written in the shadow of losing their former brother-in-arms, long-time bassist Matt Keil, the album trades standard scene posture for raw, honest grief and personal reflection. Andrew Neufeld leads the charge with an incredibly vulnerable performance, anchoring a set that flawlessly fuses blistering metal attacks, classic hardcore drive, and anthemic, sing-along choruses.
The album wastes zero time kicking into gear, as drummer Terrance Pettit launches opener “Target on My Back” with a walloping intro before guitarists Stu Ross and Jeremy Hiebert charge in with razor-edged riffs. It sets an immediate, high-octane statement of intent, leading straight into dynamic standouts like “Underneath the Pressure,” which shifts seamlessly from lightning-fast punk energy into devastating breakdowns and soaring vocal melodies.
The record also shines when expanding its sonic palette through powerhouse collaborations. On “Shedding Season,” industrial beat elements and atmospheric synth flourishes blend with Spiritbox vocalist Courtney LaPlante’s massive presence, adding a chilling modern dimension to the band’s classic foundation. Later on, “Yesterday’s Gone” delivers an explosive collision of vocal styles as Incendiary frontman Brendan Garrone trades throat-shredding lines with Andrew Neufeld toward a grand finale.
Beyond the raw aggression, the tracklist leans into rich emotional contrast. “Lost and Found” showcases some of Neufeld’s most poignant performance work yet, eventually winding down into a stripped-back acoustic finish that lets the underlying grief breathe. Meanwhile, “Heartland Elegy” marries a melodic punk sensibility with crushing heavy riffs, channeling classic punk-rock energy without sacrificing a single drop of heaviness. Rounding out the 11-song release are equally relentless cuts like “Vindication,” “Tunnel Vision,” “Becoming,” “Too Late,” and the explosive title track, “Chosen Hell.
Chosen Hell stands out as one of Comeback Kid’s absolute complete projects. They’ve managed to evolve without losing an ounce of the pit-tested intensity that made them legends in the first place. Whether you’ve been screaming along since Turn It Around and Wake The Dead or you’re just discovering their discography today, this record is an absolute non-skip experience.
