Review | Therapy? – Hard Cold Fire

Marshall Records

‘Hard Cold Fire’ is the sixteenth studio album of the Northern Irish trio Therapy? and I really have to say that it is a blast; thirty-four years into their career this is indeed a remarkable accomplishment. ‘Troublegum’, released in 1994, is still their best effort by far, as that one is a true classic, but ‘Hard Cold Fire’ is probably their second best one. The ten new songs are all short, angry, riffy, punky, smashing, aggressive and addictive, so perfect to headbang and scream along to: punk rock at its best! 

THERAPY? – PUNK ROCK

Opening track ,,They Shoot The Terrible Master” sets the tone for the rest of the album, as all the songs seem to stick in your head forever. ,,Woe” and ,,Joy” have blazing choruses, while ,,Poundland Of Hope And Glory” (hello Nirvana!) is a real kick in the teeth addictive punk bomb! Cairns’ lyrics are as good and as powerful (dark), as ever, just check out the words in songs like ,,Mongrel” or ,,Wounded Animals.” ‘Hard Cold Fire’ is an outstanding new Therapy? album, the only thing that bothers me is the fact that this impressive album ends after 31 minutes! But that is also punk rock, of course, short, heavy, and blunt. That is the reason why my review of this must have album for fans of Royal Blood, Deftones and Nirvana, is also short and blunt. 

Play at maximum volume and enjoy!

Release date: 17 May 2023