Belfast hardcore quartet Gacys Threads have made quite a name for themselves on the Irish scene over the past four years, building a reputation based on hard work and blistering live shows.  Along the way they've also self-released a couple of EPs, which have been rabidly received among the metal cognoscenti in this part of the world: now, ahead of the release of their first album (scheduled for next year), they've sought to put themselves on a more professional footing, with drummer Stephen Currie setting up his own label, Savour Your Scene - the name, in itself, a statement about the Belfast music industry, sounding a rallying call to fans, both locally and further afield (and also a reference to the band's debut EP, 2009's 'Savour Your Scars').

'The Ignorance Of Purity' is five of the most blistering hardcore tracks you are likely to hear this year, or any year for the foreseeable future. Very much at the core of the band's sound is the teaming of the aforementioned Currie and bassist Ryan McGonagle, who have merged into an almost seemless single entity in driving the songs with intensity and passion (witness 'Blackheart' and 'Weight Of The Wretched'). Blane Doherty's guitar work continues to come on leaps and bounds as the sound of the band itself develops, and this is especially evident on brutal 'Hope Bleeds Into Despair', the aforementioned 'Weight Of The Wretched' and 'To The Death', the latter two of which certainly would give the likes of Dillinger Escape Plan a healthy run for their money.

Of course, we cannot ignore the performance of Aaron Vance, whose vocals prowl the songs with the ferocity of a recently unchained Rottweiler with the scent of fresh blood in its nostrils, with, once again, the standout 'Weight Of The Wretched' the best example of this.

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