Dead Set on Living

Once again utilizing the legendary Vespa Studios and producers Eric Ratz and Kenny Luong, 'Dead Set On Living' brings yet another dimension to the Cancer Bats' menacing style of thrash-tinged hardcore rock.

Tracks like "R.A.T.S." (Featuring guest vocals from Rob Urbinati of Sacrifice) and "The Void" are laced with the gritty, sludgy groove that first emerged on cuts from 2008's Hail Destroyer, while the blistering first single "Old Blood" roars with the riot-inducing speed and aggression so familiar to the band's fans. The blazing "Bastards!" also features vocal boosts from DevilDriver's Dez Fafara and An Horse's Kate Cooper.

Thematically, the album offers a strong focus on the bilateral relationship of dark and light, destruction and construction, life and death. The title track, for example, refers to a close friend of the band who ended up in the hospital in serious condition; only to have the experience cement his will to survive.

Still, whereas 2010's Bears, Mayors, Scraps & Bones had a much darker tinge, DSOL strikes a tighter balance between the opposing forces and brings listeners closer to the light at the end of the tunnel by encouraging them to push through peril.