Ryker's
Life's A Gamble.. So Is Death (cv)
It was 1992 when a hardcore band was formed in the tranquil town of Kassel: The Ryker's were born. A name that, even decades later (!), is familiar to anyone who is even remotely familiar with hardcore in general and the scene in Germany and Europe in particular. In the 90s in particular, there was no getting around them. Massively influenced by the sound of the Cro-Mags, Agnostic Front and Sick of it All, the Ryker's gradually gained a foothold on larger stages in clubs and at festivals. After the 1995 album FIRST BLOOD, Germany was covered in dark blue hoodies with the Brother Against Brother print. Everyone knew the band. After various singles and LPs, a real smash hit album was released in 1999: "Life's A Gamble... And So Is Death". The band is technically at its peak and in top form, with an ultra-brutal groove, hard metal guitars and a really strong drumming that sets the pace for hard pits. Add to that the distinctive, deep and ultra-angry voice of Kid D - to this day rarely achieved by other shouters. "Life's A Gamble" was released on Century Media Records, the only right step after the relevant experience with a major label. The label, which was still manageable at the time compared to today, offered the band exactly the right platform for this smashing album. 18 songs, including 3 brilliant cover versions, make up a whopping 49 minutes. Almost an epic by HC standards. All killer - no filler.