In the alternative metal and hardcore fields, bands come and go.

Keeping a band together can be an uphill climb -- the music industry isn't for the faint of heart -- and it isn't uncommon for alt metal and hardcore combos to break up after only one or two albums.

But Pro-Pain has been impressively durable.

2004 marked the band's 12th anniversary, and Pro-Pain celebrates that anniversary with the uncompromising Fistful of Hate.

Anyone who expects the New Yorkers to soften their blows will be disappointed; with Fistful of Hate, they offer another dose of harsh, angry, pummeling alt metal/hardcore venom.

This 2004 release doesn't point Pro-Pain in any new directions, and the disc is unlikely to win over anyone who isn't already a fan of their hammer-to-the-skull approach.

But in terms of being focused and inspired, Fistful of Hate is a winner -- and it certainly won't make diehard followers think any less of them.

So why does Pro-Pain's small but enthusiastic cult following continue to hold them in such high regard? The bottom line is that Pro-Pain is superior to a lot of the competition.

There is no shortage of headbangers putting out this type of mosh music in the 21st century, but Fistful of Hate underscores the fact that Pro-Pain's seemingly tireless members are doing it with much more feeling and conviction -- their hooks are sharper, their writing is crisper, their lyrics are more memorable.

That said, Fistful of Hate falls short of essential; for someone who already has several Pro-Pain CD's in his/her collection, owning this one isn't absolutely necessary.

But again, Pro-Pain's admirers are an enthusiastic bunch, and they will find that Fistful of Hate -- although not quite essential -- is certainly a solid and heartfelt addition to their catalog.