TO THE DOGS - Light The Fires (12" LP on Black Vinyl) **Corner Ding

Milwaukee’s To The Dogs waste no time making their presence felt with Light the Fires, a searing debut full-length that follows their 2020 demo with sharpened teeth. Drawing equally from the feral urgency of crust punk and the oppressive weight of death metal, the trio conjure a sound that feels raw, authentic, and deeply rooted in the traditions of bands like Celtic Frost, Anti-Cimex, and early Toxic Holocaust.

The album thrives on its simplicity and savagery—mid-tempo, no-frills riffing that hits with brute force rather than finesse. That’s not to say the playing lacks skill; on the contrary, each member brings a focused intensity. Chris Morrow’s riffs carve out space like a rusted blade through concrete, while drummer Ian Olsen keeps the momentum surging with tight, punishing rhythms. The bass, courtesy of Nikki Jeremic, doesn’t just follow—it drives, anchoring the low end with menace and purpose.

Vocally, Nikki unleashes a commanding snarl that radiates venom, her delivery dripping with conviction. It’s a voice that adds gravitas to the already weighty compositions, exuding genuine rage without descending into caricature. The lack of solos is never felt—the band leans into a relentless forward motion, prioritizing grit over grandeur.

What makes Light the Fires stand out is its cohesion. There’s no fat, no filler—just a relentless march through scorched terrain, carried by the sheer power of riff and rhythm. The fusion of crust’s urgency with death metal’s density creates something that feels urgent, lived-in, and real.

For a debut, this is remarkably assured. Light the Fires doesn’t reinvent the wheel—it sets it on fire and lets it roll downhill. Fans of raw, unpretentious death metal with punk bite will find plenty to love here.