Atanaria
New York hardcore veterans Shutdown have accomplished something rare with their latest release, By Your Side. Returning after a staggering 25 years since their last album, Few and Far Between, the band has proven that time hasn’t dulled their passion or stripped away the vitality that defined their earlier work. Instead, the six-track EP bursts with the same energy and raw authenticity that made Shutdown a standout in the hardcore scene of the late ’90s and early 2000s.
From the outset, By Your Side feels like a defiant embrace of resilience and solidarity. The title track exemplifies this spirit, combining aggressive riffs and driving rhythms with lyrics that champion unity and determination. Similarly, “Our Time” is a rallying cry, urging listeners to seize the moment and stand firm against adversity. These songs deliver the quintessential hardcore experience—short, powerful, and packed with emotional weight.
What makes this EP particularly compelling is the way Shutdown blends their signature sound with a more mature, reflective perspective. Now older and shaped by life’s trials, the band infuses their music with a depth that transcends the genre’s usual boundaries. Nowhere is this more evident than on the closing track, “What Are You Thinking?” Inspired by bassist Dion De Nardo’s experience with his son’s autism diagnosis, the song channels frustration, love, and hope into a heartfelt anthem. The gang-vocal chorus, performed by the band members’ children, adds an intimate and uplifting touch that lingers long after the music stops.
While By Your Side is undeniably grounded in the gritty ethos of hardcore, its themes of perseverance, familial love, and personal growth elevate it beyond a simple throwback. Shutdown hasn’t just returned—they’ve evolved, proving that hardcore isn’t just for the young; it’s a lifelong outlet for resilience and positivity.
Clocking in at just 15 minutes, this EP leaves a lasting impression, both musically and emotionally. Shutdown’s ability to reignite their spark after such a long hiatus is nothing short of remarkable, and By Your Side stands as a testament to the enduring power of hardcore music to inspire and connect. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the scene, this record offers a potent reminder of what makes this genre—and Shutdown—so special.
