One thing you’ve gotta know about Oakland’s Iron Front is that these dudes are young. The band was formed in 2020 when they were all teens—like young teens—and I don’t think there’s anyone currently of drinking age in the band. That said, these five—Max Mahmood (drums), Cruz Garcia (guitars/vocals), Jesse Dicruttalo (guitars), Dmitri Castillo Russel (bass), Topey Plourde (vocals)—have been playing together for quite a while now, going back to 2016 when they were called Dire Wolves. So, no lack of musical experience, and it shows in new track, “Slam of ’87,” which is a gut-eviscerating slam-fest of epic proportions. It’s a lumbering assault of death metal ugliness, complete with well-placed squeals and a bowel-churning breakdown.
Hooked is the band’s second full-length and it was recorded, mixed and mastered by Nicholas Morosini at Inpatient Studios in Oakland. It’s set for release on vinyl and digitally on January 12. Preorders are live at the Creator-Destructor webshop here and Bandcamp here. Check out the band’s California live dates in support of Hooked just below the video.
Here’s vocalist Topey Plourde’s take on the track:
“It’s one of the more hardcore influenced songs on the album, with low chugging riffs and some mid-tempo sections. As with all the songs on the record, Nick Morosini did a great job mixing it; just listen to that snare. The track features our friend Gerold, formerly of Death Pickle and the current bassist of Manos De Fierro, who came in and did a dope verse.”
Iron Front live dates:
1/05/2024 San Diego, CA @ Better Half Supply Co
1/06/2024 Pomona, CA @ The Haven
1/07/2024 Los Angeles, CA @ The Rec Center
1/13/2024 San Francisco, CA Hooked release show @ The Bottom Of The Hill
