When this dropped through the promo mailbox we wanted to do it justice, so we asked our mate Paul Jones of UK Blackened Crossover SIDEWINDER to do a guest review for us, here’s what he had to say…..

When 5 of the UKs finest unite, you had better pay attention. Featuring members of Brujeria, Knuckledust, Dripback and King of Pigs; Borstal are not here to play games. With the debut album, At Her Majesty’s Pleasure, this record hits hard and fast with all of the aggression expected from a pissed off generation.

The opening sounds of distant sirens and chaos on the streets leads us into what will be a frantic 20mins of blistering UK hardcore. Refuse to Lose sets the tone for the record, leaning on the struggles and strife of a modern existence; creating an old school punk mentality, bringing anarchy crashing into 2021.

The unmistakeable sound of Nicholas Barker’s drum style kicks you in the ears as the ripping guitar tones cut through you. Add a Danny Liker-esque thunderous bass tone and Pierre’s trademark throat-punch vocals, At Her Majesty’s Pleasure is a modern classic. Recorded at Monolith Studios in London, Charlie Wilson Jr.’s production knocked this record out of the park.

Track two, Karma, is bound to be an absolute crowd mover. A raucous montage of riffs “shoved down your throat, so you can’t breathe”.

We Stand as One is sending you straight back to 1982. Pop out your elbows and strut your stuff in a nostalgia fuelled mosh. Unity in the hardcore spirit sings true.

Vicious Circles, (video below), offers everything a crossover nut would require; groove, speed and mosh-beats are plenty. Singalong choruses offer a New York hardcore feel with the “OI, OI!” factor and a need to crack out the Dr Marten’s and stomp some heads.

Worm Food, track five, is circle pit city. The thought of seeing this live, moshing, moving and throwing myself off of the stage is a reality that cannot come quickly enough.

At Her Majesty’s Pleasure brings it home with the final track, King of the Jungle, a storming anthem that speaks of what it takes to fight for survival, be proud and remain humble. This is a message to the next generation to stand up and take charge. Be inspired. Be the voice of rebellion.

–  NO MESS. NO FUSS. JUST PURE IMPACT. FUCKING BORSTAL  –

Borstal Release – At Her Majesty’s Pleasure via 4 Family Records on the 1st April 2021