Manhandler

Cougars can convince you that sliding face first on rough gravel is good clean fun. This eight-piece Chicago rock outfit is unlike any other -- a sonic assault on the senses. But not in a bad, screamy hardcore/death metal way -- more in a Phil-Spector-wall-of-sound way. Only this is Spector off the deep end, on a psycho-rampage killing spree. Complete with synth and horns, it’s dynamic chardcore (i.e., "hardcore well done") that recalls the heyday of noise and crunch. Five new and exclusive songs, clocking in at 20 minutes. If you still don’t get it, think: Jesus Lizard, Helmet, Barkmarket, Rocket From The Crypt, Swans, Haymarket Riot, or Unsane.