New Noise Magazine Reviews DCxPC Live & Dead Vol. 4 Antagonizör

Antagonizor Live and Dead DCxPC Live Records Out Now

By Hutch

Antagonizer are a trio of queer, feminist, anti-fascist women who play metallic crust punk. The bass is tuned low and jangly. The guitar riffs are fast and punishing. And the drummer is riding that double bass kick continuousl. The music matches the band’s passionate agenda. The vocalist gives us poignant political banter in-between songs. Predictable and deserving targets are right-wing bootlickers, billionaires, gun control, church and state, and as they are from Gainesville, FL, Ron DeSantis.

These women love metal, as evidence by the back cover pics, with chains, axes, and evil make-up. And their vocalist’s pronunciation of Antagonizor is straight metal (ends with “orrrr” not “er”). If you love The Pist, Submachine, Total Chaos, Broken Bones, Final Conflict, Defiance, Toxic Narcotic, English Dogs, check this out. I don’t hear Motorhead or Venom, but I would bet a finger those records are played in the cassette deck of Antagonizor.

I know people hesitate with live records. I assure you, the production is on point—not muddy, not tinny. This set is filled with live energy and powerful sound. The vocalist’s lyrics/voice are distinctly audible. This is a repeated listen live record. But in case you remain unconvinced, Side B is the “Dead” side. Here, Antagonizor presents eight tracks, the same eight tracks minus the Ron DeSantis tirade (“I Hate You”) and replaced with the instrumental intro, “Impaled.”

Obviously, the instruments are more discernable from the studio. This is a badass recording as well. Big wall of power with a noticeable more metal sound. Same songs. More metal. With the live side, my only gripe is that the songs sound extremely familiar. But here you get nuances of the songwriting. This version of “NA” even slows it down to a mid-tempo stomp for some variety; and lets the bass shine. The drummer still charges forwaonerrd like a focused stampede. But, now we also hear how the bassist rips. The vocals are enraged aural assaults. Now I hear more Discharge, Motorhead, Doom, etc. Another banger comprised of unapologetic metal punk with a purpose and played with fury and skill. I would even go to Florida to see them. Ooof.