Bad Egg have set themselves up for success in 2024. Coming in hot, right before spring hits and delivers perfect tour weather, this Ontario hardcore machine has just started rolling. In order to deliver a masterclass example of hardcore-punk oriented metal, Bad Egg worked tirelessly with producer Bill Morton to bring listeners an EP that not only feels fresh and new but rides the waves of bands before them like Scowl. Century Egg is a seven track ordeal that doesn’t let up from tracks one all the way to seven.
Opening up in swift fashion with “Beat Egg”, Bad Egg not only impresses listeners with some stellar guitar work but also delivers a perfect intro track with ease. While showing a quick example of what they have to offer, in just two short minutes they also manage to add many influences into the mix all at once. From sounds like Turnstile to a more groovy Spaced oriented route; Bad Egg are clearly no strangers to changing up their sound a but when they need to.
Keeping with the trend of ever changing sounds is track two, “Breakin’ the Lease”. Not only is it faster in tempo but everything about this track absolutely rips from start to finish. From the drums and guitars that pound and riff with no break to the vocals that thrash nonstop the entire minute long track. If you came for punk music, this track is sure to reel you in without a doubt.
But don’t let that make you shy away if you came for hardcore as “S.L.U.M.L.O.R.D” and “Sick Child x Stupid Kid” are shining examples of modern hardcore coming out of North America. Two minute rippers that groove from the very beginning with sounds similar to California hardcore legends Drain. This record has the best of both worlds and shows it within the first half.
As we make our way to our final songs, Bad Egg seems to keep with the trend of short and sweet tracks, there’s another two minute venture sure to get its point across. “Where The Vampires Hang Out” is a pounding track blending both hardcore and punk influences similar to the rest of the tracks on the EP. This can’t be said enough but if you’re a fan of acts such as Scowl this track will probably be a favourite on playlists.
Bad Egg have delivered a stunning EP in terms of North American hardcore. Not only does this record prove to be the group’s best work to date, it’s fair to say that it might be some of the better music coming out of Ontario hardcore this year. Bands like Bad Egg, with their unique approach to hardcore in the province, they stand out like a sore thumb and that’s what the hardcore scene needs moving forward. With Ontario becoming a staple region among North American hardcore, it feels appropriate to say Bad Egg is the scene’s best kept secret with the release of Century Egg.