What makes No Holds Barred by Biohazard notable?

'No Holds Barred' is significant for its raw energy and socio-political commentary, reflecting the band's roots in urban struggles. The album further solidified Biohazard's influence on the hardcore and metal scenes, receiving positive reviews from notable publications like Kerrang! and Alternative Press, ultimately helping to expand their reach in the late '90s music landscape. By the time 'No Holds Barred' was released in January 1997, Biohazard had established themselves within the New York hardcore scene, following their breakthrough album 'Urban Discipline' in 1992. This album came during a period of increasing visibility for the band as they were gaining recognition beyond the underground circuit, thanks to their unique blend of styles that included elements of rap and metal.

Who is No Holds Barred for?

No Holds Barred works well if you're into dynamic flow with varied pacing, cathartic energy for release and wave-like intensity throughout.

How many songs are on No Holds Barred?

No Holds Barred has 24 tracks, running approximately 63 minutes.

No Holds Barred

Biohazard · 1997

63 min · 24 tracks · hardcore punk

A relentless fusion of hardcore punk and groove metal, charged with socially conscious lyrics and aggressive rhythms.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Shades of Grey — This track opens the album with a powerful critique of societal issues, setting a thematic tone that resonates throughout the record. Its blend of melodic hooks and heavy riffs exemplifies Biohazard's signature sound.
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Authority — With its visceral energy and direct lyrical approach, this track captures the band's anti-establishment ethos, making it a standout anthem for fans of hardcore music.
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Wrong Side of the Tracks — This song reflects on personal struggles against systemic barriers, showcasing the band's ability to merge personal narrative with broader social commentary, which is central to their identity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The album's energetic blend of hardcore and metal is marked by socio-political themes but lacks strong cohesion due to its length.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of heavy guitar riffs paired with aggressive drumming, creating a relentless energy throughout.
Tracks often shift tempo abruptly, moving from fast-paced sections to slower grooves, which enhances the dynamic intensity.
Many songs incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, emphasizing the communal aspect of hardcore punk.
The lyrics address socio-political themes directly, with several tracks featuring spoken word segments that break up the music.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic flow with varied pacing
cathartic energy for release
wave-like intensity throughout
socially charged lyrical themes
headbanging anthems for camaraderie

Maybe skip if you

prefer mellow, soothing sounds
seek instant gratification only

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time 'No Holds Barred' was released in January 1997, Biohazard had established themselves within the New York hardcore scene, following their breakthrough album 'Urban Discipline' in 1992. This album came during a period of increasing visibility for the band as they were gaining recognition beyond the underground circuit, thanks to their unique blend of styles that included elements of rap and metal.
Stylistic neighbors: Earth Crisis· Hatebreed· Madball