This is straight forward Punk Rock music with the addition of moody keys adding a novel element. These guys are from South Yorkshire in the UK and are fully versed in what makes strong and poignant Punk. Check out the song titles that grace this extended player for examples – 'The Dogs Of War', 'Ashes Of Divinity' and 'Infected' all provoke imagery and curiosity.

The band is relatively new being formed towards the tail end of 2011 by bassist Paddy O'Neill when he looked in to forming a side project from a band he was in called Total Confusion. With the band being filled out By Sutcliffe brothers Dave (vocals) and Eric (guitar) the momentum was set. Carl Gulliford was comfortable in the drum stool and with the recent addition of Martin Roberts handling keys, the full line-up crackles with a dark and menacing sound representative of a post-apocalypse attitude of unsettled annoyance toward the world around them.

Gathering experience in the studio and in the live environment, they are fast becoming a unit worthy of attention. Gigs with Vice Squad, Sham 69, Goldblade and Peter & The Test Tube Babies amongst many others show their true qualities. Listen to the haunting edge given when they chant "Ashes” in 'Ashes Of Divinity' or the spite injected in to 'The Dogs Of War' to feel where their beating hearts settle.

The sound is rough but also easy on the ears as 'Infected' assaults the senses. The wall of guitar is familiar and also appropriate in the context of the other instrumentation including the atmospheric keys, which peep over the shoulder of what would otherwise be contemporary and brash Punk music.

This E.P. contains four tracks which are all short and to the point. The title track has what sounds like a brass section adding a quality you'd be more familiar with if you were listening to Ska. It works well here proving that "less is more” is suitable on occasion. Check out the evil and brief laugh on this track as they raise the tempo to mirror the feeling of 'Insanity'.

I'm left wondering whether an entire album by System Of Hate would be too much, or if it would be an intense welcoming experience. I suspect it would be a dark and thoroughly rewarding exploit due to their obvious aptitude, energy and observation. Highly recommended.

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