The Balomai Brothers –
‘“You Don’t Have to Like Us, You Can Just Suck Our Dicks” A Ghoul Skit or:
“Hungarian American Idiot” A Junk Rock Opera’ (self released)
This is the second release from these Brookpark based
nutjobs, and it makes good on the promise of its predecessor, ‘Millions of Women
Can’t Be Wrong’. The main problem I had with ‘Millions’ was weak production,
especially on the drums. Not a problem this time. ‘A Ghoul Skit’ sounds
great. As for the tunes, once again the band is working in weird rock
territory. It’s like someone let the inmates out of the asylum, gave them
musical instruments, and told them to record an album. Twisted tunes like
“Don’t You Ever Get Tired of Being the Best?” and “I Thought I’d Meat A Girl”
are alternated with short skits that would qualify as comedy to some, and plain
old head scratching “what the fuck?” vignettes to others. The songs are catchy,
and if your sense of humor tends towards the bizarre like mine, you’ll probably
enjoy the skits as well. If you want hear some samples or maybe even order a
copy, head over to
http://cdbaby.com/cd/balomaibros2.
Blistering
metallic riffs fly by at blinding speed as gang choruses exhort the virtues of
$3.49 pizza buffets and warn of radioactive mutations. If that doesn’t clue you
that Cross Examination is doing the retro eighties thrash/crossover thing, the
covers of Suicidal Tendencies and S.O.D. should clear things up. While this
isn’t quite on par with the output of fellow eighties worshippers Municipal
Waste, ‘The Hung Jury’ is still a quite satisfactory soundtrack to your next
mosh pit. Hey, I lived through the eighties so I’m well aware this ain’t
nothing new, but if this shit doesn’t get your head banging I don’t know what
will. Pure nostalgic bliss. (Bob Ignizio)
Here’s
some more heaviosity sent your way by the fine folks at Organized Crime
Records. There’s some hardcore influence, but overall this is more straight up
metal than labelmates Cross Examination. It’s also a little more modern
sounding, although still influenced by eighties and early nineties bands.
Although like a lot of newer metal bands the lyrics lean towards the personal,
this is pure skull crushing goodness all the way through - no wussy emo vocals
to ruin the mood. You kids who dig The Black Dahlia Murder and similar bands
oughta like this. Plenty of catchy riffs, a fair amount of tasty lead work, and
some decent vocal hooks elevate this above the crowd. It’s brutal and
punishing, but the band’s solid songwriting shines through. It’s only a six
track EP, but it’s all killer, no filler that should leave you eagerly
anticipating a full length from these guys. (Bob Ignizio)
Iron Age – ‘Constant Struggle’
(Youngblood Records)
Iron Age are largely inspired by the eighties metal/punk
crossover scene. Mainly these guys seem to have been influenced by Cro Mags,
Agnostic Front., and the whole NYHC thing. There are plenty of catchy riffs,
slow mosh parts, and even the occasional guitar lead (but no real solos). The
vocals kind of straddle the line between hardcore and death metal. I used to be
really into this style of music, and Iron Age remind me of why with crushing
songs like “The Violator” and “Twisted Faith”. I should also say that, while I
definitely hear a lot of eighties influence, this isn’t just a trip down memory
lane. The band brings a few modern touches both in the production and
songwriting. All in all, quite good if you like this style. (Bob Ignizio)
This is the second release from these Brookpark based
nutjobs, and it makes good on the promise of its predecessor, ‘Millions of Women
Can’t Be Wrong’. The main problem I had with ‘Millions’ was weak production,
especially on the drums. Not a problem this time. ‘A Ghoul Skit’ sounds
great. As for the tunes, once again the band is working in weird rock
territory. It’s like someone let the inmates out of the asylum, gave them
musical instruments, and told them to record an album. Twisted tunes like
“Don’t You Ever Get Tired of Being the Best?” and “I Thought I’d Meat A Girl”
are alternated with short skits that would qualify as comedy to some, and plain
old head scratching “what the fuck?” vignettes to others. The songs are catchy,
and if your sense of humor tends towards the bizarre like mine, you’ll probably
enjoy the skits as well. If you want hear some samples or maybe even order a
copy, head over to
Blistering
metallic riffs fly by at blinding speed as gang choruses exhort the virtues of
$3.49 pizza buffets and warn of radioactive mutations. If that doesn’t clue you
that Cross Examination is doing the retro eighties thrash/crossover thing, the
covers of Suicidal Tendencies and S.O.D. should clear things up. While this
isn’t quite on par with the output of fellow eighties worshippers Municipal
Waste, ‘The Hung Jury’ is still a quite satisfactory soundtrack to your next
mosh pit. Hey, I lived through the eighties so I’m well aware this ain’t
nothing new, but if this shit doesn’t get your head banging I don’t know what
will. Pure nostalgic bliss. (Bob Ignizio)
Here’s
some more heaviosity sent your way by the fine folks at Organized Crime
Records. There’s some hardcore influence, but overall this is more straight up
metal than labelmates Cross Examination. It’s also a little more modern
sounding, although still influenced by eighties and early nineties bands.
Although like a lot of newer metal bands the lyrics lean towards the personal,
this is pure skull crushing goodness all the way through - no wussy emo vocals
to ruin the mood. You kids who dig The Black Dahlia Murder and similar bands
oughta like this. Plenty of catchy riffs, a fair amount of tasty lead work, and
some decent vocal hooks elevate this above the crowd. It’s brutal and
punishing, but the band’s solid songwriting shines through. It’s only a six
track EP, but it’s all killer, no filler that should leave you eagerly
anticipating a full length from these guys. (Bob Ignizio) 
Iron Age are largely inspired by the eighties metal/punk
crossover scene. Mainly these guys seem to have been influenced by Cro Mags,
Agnostic Front., and the whole NYHC thing. There are plenty of catchy riffs,
slow mosh parts, and even the occasional guitar lead (but no real solos). The
vocals kind of straddle the line between hardcore and death metal. I used to be
really into this style of music, and Iron Age remind me of why with crushing
songs like “The Violator” and “Twisted Faith”. I should also say that, while I
definitely hear a lot of eighties influence, this isn’t just a trip down memory
lane. The band brings a few modern touches both in the production and
songwriting. All in all, quite good if you like this style. (Bob Ignizio)