Battered & Bruised is a Punk, Ska, and hardcore compilation from a Christian label in Lima, Ohio, called Wounded Records. I looked over the names of the bands and I did not recognize any of them on it except HFC (Hardcore for Christ), but they are not on Wounded Records. I was kind of skeptical at first because I hadn't heard of any of the bands on this compilation. I thought it would be a cheesefest of corny ska (like most Christian ska... ie BOB) and mediocre punk and hardcore. Don't get me wrong, there are good Christian ska bands, but most of them really stink.

After the first song by the pop/punk band Taunt, my thoughts started to change. Then the next song was a ska song. I was like "Oh great..." but 5 Bucks $hort was really good. They appear twice on the comp and they impressed me both times! Touch the Robe was up next. Good pop/punk and good lyrics. HFC always rocks! So, enough said for them! The Next band was Sprinkler. I love their song on this comp! It's an emo/pop/punk mix. It's really great! I was not really impressed with Drag the Stick until the guy screamed. Good solid hardcore. Skapykatz followed. I hate ska bands who put the word "Ska" in their name. Unless youre an old school ska band! I didn't really like this song that much. It wasn't that good.

Flax was up next. This song was way cool; I loved it. They're a hardcore band. Slim Jim and the Sunset Riders are pop/punk that wasn't anything special. The guy's voice did not leave anything to be desired. 5 Bucks $hort was up again. Very good Christian ska; I love the vocals. Soft and powerful. The last song was Stronghold. Can you say "HARDCORE?" Kind of a mix of Embodyment and old Strongarm. Very hard and very awesome.

This compilation was very good and very impressive for a record label that seems to be underground. The recording quality wasn't the best and not all the songs were great, but it's a good one to buy! Keep up the great work!

- Review date: 12/13/99 by Chaz Murphy of Jesusfreakhideout.com