Tensions on High-Take Offense

You're driving with your windows down along the coast of California in the early 90's, what're you going to put on as your soundtrack?

The photo was taken from Take Offense's Twitter

If Tensions on High by Take Offense had come out in '92, it would've been your pick. The music alone solidifies it as a classic California Crossover record.

This record, like most of the band's previous releases, has strong Suicidal Tendencies vibes. The guitars have a chorus effect on them, which increases the record's chill vibe. And that vibe just amplifies the "California" of the music.


Vocalist Anthony Herrera gives his all to the lyrics/patterns/melodies. The vocal approach in many ways pays tribute to Cali' Crossover godfather Mike Muir. But that's not all he's doing, he makes it his own. In a creative way, he gives a performance that sets him apart from many current Crossover bands (Power Trip, Red Death, Higher Power, etc).

The photo was taken from Flatspotrecords.com

Guitarists Ruben Benavides and Greg Cerwonka wrote 4 songs that perfectly pay homage to classic Suicidal. Track 1 is an auditory assault that could inspire anyone to circle pit. The chorus is catchy and makes you want to sing along

"Against the Wall! Who can you trust when your backs against the wall"

The title track and the song Unconditional are both undisputable Crossover Classics. They are sonically satisfying perfectly written time machines that take you to the early 90s.

The title track may very well be the catchiest song on the record, it has really hooking verses, not to mention the sing-along pre-chorus and chorus. Tensions on High also showcases the shredability of guitarist,  Cerwonka.

Unconditional has some flashy shredding in the main riff, which at the beginning of the song kinda reminds me of the intro of Unexpected by Leeway. This song may very well be the flashiest on the record. It also has the most soulful chorus, with Herrera belting out the title.

The interlude Ometeotl and the song that it goes straight into, Just Because You Believe, feels like TO's You Can't Bring Me Down.

This is the most solid piece of music that this band has ever written.
I'll be honest, I fell off of the bandwagon after the United States of Mind record. I love Under the Same Shadow and Tables Will Turn I just wasn't big on USM. 

Tensions on High has reignited the flame. 

Listen to TOH here

Check out Flatspot Records