Agnostic Front broke into the music scene in 1981 and quickly established themselves as one of New York's premiere hardcore bands. In 1993, the band decided to take a respite which ultimately lasted five years. Now, with Something's Gotta Give, Agnostic Front are back in all their raging glory. The current line-up comprises founding members vocalist Roger Miret and guitarist Vinny Stigma, along with veteran bassist Rob Kabula and drummer Jimmy "the kid" Collette. Although they don't necessarily break new ground on this release, they prove they've lost little spark with music that's fast and furious but somehow catchy and, at times, surprisingly tuneful. Guest stars include label mates Rancid, who provide backup vocals on "Gotta Go."

Named after a Harvard professor known for attempting to decriminalize marijuana, the three-year-old Australian band Grinspoon have caught the media's attention -- but because of their music not their name. The band's debut CD, Licker Bottle Cozy features frontman Phil Jamieson's attractive and melodic vocals over pounding, razor-sharp, albeit sometimes repetitious chords. Somehow, the combination works well. Perhaps it's bassist Joe Hansen's slick style, which goes a long way toward enhancing the band's sound. Although their music is unique, given that they're new in town, I'll describe their sound for you as similar to Tool, Bush or Henry Rollins, all of whom Grinspoon have opened for.

Hard driving is not the term for Boiler. A pack of jackhammers knawing through mammoth slabs of concrete better describes this three-man band from Ithaca, New York. Although they hail from a college town and are just premiering their debut album, The New Professionals: Rules for Industrial Slammitude & Groovination (there's a mouthful for ya), the members of Boiler are actually seasoned professionals, having worked individually in the past with acts such as Pro-Pain, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, and Garbage. In forming Boiler, the band members have created a slow-grinding, forceful sound which vocalist/guitarist Marc Mays compares to a live boxing match. Listeners beware, Boiler is not for the meek.

I'm not sure whether Fear Factory's Obsolete is a pretentious, migraine-inducing affair or a cool collection of bone-crushing, techno-metal vignettes. I guess it's a little of both. The band is tight and the vocal delivery does sound convincing, however, the songs are a bit repetitious, particularly on the choruses. (How many times can one listen to "I am the way. Prepare for salvation," before the off button gets employed.) Fear Factory has been on the Aggro-rock scene since their formation in LA in 1990. Obsolete is their third studio release. On the upside, the mix of techno and thrash does make for some interesting effects on the CD; the musicianship is fine, as is Greg Reely's production. Gary Numan guests on the title track.