The Black Halos blasted their way out of Vancouver more than 20 years ago. After a couple Jack Endino-helmed albums (the second one released on Sub Pop), things went sideways. There was a third album with a revamped lineup, but this appears to be the first studio album with three original members since 2001's The Violent Years. In any case, it is a stylistic return to form.

The Black Halos How the Darkness Doubled (Stomp Records)

That form includes a bit of sludge, some hoarse harmonies and propulsive riffage. Kinda like a thicker-sounding British punk band from the early 80s. Or a totally unrefined mashup of Bad Religion and Rancid. Given that this band toured with the likes of L7, Millencolin and the Offspring, that sounds about right.

Old punkers can sometimes give in to the temptation to try and sweeten the sound. The Black Halos have no such problem. This is a gritty, messy affair. The songs themselves hold together well, but the production and singing are far from perfect. Which is just as it should be.

Rather than reinventing the wheel, the Black Halos have simply climbed back on the hog. Nothing complicated, nothing pretentious. Just a vast raft of bangers and a big load of fun. Too loud is the only to enjoy this sucker. Hearing loss never felt so fun.

Jon Worley