Crisis –
‘Like Sheep Led to Slaughter’ (The End records)
I haven't heard
their previous material but I do like this CD. Some parts don't appeal to me,
but the all in all heaviness keeps me interested. Karyn Crisis is a kick ass
singer who screams like a banshee, at times bordering on Cradle of Filth
piercing. I thought there was a male singer in the band, too, but found out it's
all Karyn. So thumbs up even higher. The musicianship is excellent as well. The
CD starts off with an intro about elite people deceiving the world by promising
peace, yet in reality leading them like sheep to slaughter. Kind of what those
running the U.N. are doing to us now. The first song, "Waking the Dead", then
comes in warning people to wake up to reality. I haven't read all the lyrics
cuz they're written kind of crazily, but what I did make out seems political.
While not album of the year, it is above average and worth a listen for those
who like their music heavy. (Mike Salamone)
This is a hard
one to review, so lets just simplify everything. D.E.P. are magnificent
musicians, adding elements of prog rock and jazz fusion to the deathly heavy
raging hardcore. The songs are so complex and thought out it's no wonder this
album took five years to make. Much of the music is what we've come to expect
from them. Insanely fast and furious hardcore with out of control screaming
vocals, constant chord changes, and almost confusing time structures. Really
outstanding musicianship. What I don't like about this release are the parts
that switch to a somewhat commercialized sound that makes me think someone
changed the radio on me. I'm sure I'm nitpicking, as it's been growing on me
more and more. I just can't stand commercial music, especially mixed in to
something the total opposite. ‘Miss Machine’ is a rollercoaster ride, though,
and well worth checking out. (Mike Salamone)
The Fleshies – ‘The Sicilian’
(Alternative Tentacles)
The Fleshies have an interesting sound that combines
influences from such eighties bands as Black Flag and The Butthole Surfers with
more modern style straight ahead rawk and bands like At the Drive In. It’s
familiar sounding, but different enough to stand out. The music is raw and
ragged, and the vocals are aggressive and in your face. About the only area
this band is lacking, and only slightly, is the songwriting. The riffs and
lyrics are good, but somehow when they get put together the results aren’t
nearly as memorable as one would like. The tunes are better than average, but
seem to be missing something. This is still a lot better than most of what I
hear, though. The songs may not be great, but they’re at least good, and the
interesting blend of influences earns the band some points, as well. (Bob
Ignizio)
The Hellacopters – ‘By the
Grace of God’ (Liquor and Poker Music)
I already
reviewed this when it came out as an import 2 years ago. Now that ‘By the
Grace of God’ finally has an official domestic release, I just want to point out
again how good it is. Some Hellacopters fans have been disappointed by the
group’s shift from raw, garagey rawk to a more melodic sound. I don’t expect to
change their minds. Underground music fans have a tendency to fixate on the
early albums by their favorite artists, and get upset at the slightest tinkering
with the formula. There’s no way they’ll accept the unapologetic pop songs
presented here. For those more open minded listeners, though, this is a real
treat. Yeah, the Hellacopters are just doing their take on seventies pop
rockers like Cheap Trick and KISS, but they do it really well. The title track,
“Down on Freestreet”, “Carry Me Home”, “It’s Good But it Just Ain’t Right” and
“Go Easy Now” are just great songs. There’s plenty of bands out there “pushing
the boundaries” of music who can’t even pull off one song as memorable as
anything on here. I like to hear innovative music as much as anyone, but when
you can write songs this good in a familiar style, who needs innovation? (Bob
Ignizio)
I haven't heard
their previous material but I do like this CD. Some parts don't appeal to me,
but the all in all heaviness keeps me interested. Karyn Crisis is a kick ass
singer who screams like a banshee, at times bordering on Cradle of Filth
piercing. I thought there was a male singer in the band, too, but found out it's
all Karyn. So thumbs up even higher. The musicianship is excellent as well. The
CD starts off with an intro about elite people deceiving the world by promising
peace, yet in reality leading them like sheep to slaughter. Kind of what those
running the U.N. are doing to us now. The first song, "Waking the Dead", then
comes in warning people to wake up to reality. I haven't read all the lyrics
cuz they're written kind of crazily, but what I did make out seems political.
While not album of the year, it is above average and worth a listen for those
who like their music heavy. (Mike Salamone)
This is a hard
one to review, so lets just simplify everything. D.E.P. are magnificent
musicians, adding elements of prog rock and jazz fusion to the deathly heavy
raging hardcore. The songs are so complex and thought out it's no wonder this
album took five years to make. Much of the music is what we've come to expect
from them. Insanely fast and furious hardcore with out of control screaming
vocals, constant chord changes, and almost confusing time structures. Really
outstanding musicianship. What I don't like about this release are the parts
that switch to a somewhat commercialized sound that makes me think someone
changed the radio on me. I'm sure I'm nitpicking, as it's been growing on me
more and more. I just can't stand commercial music, especially mixed in to
something the total opposite. ‘Miss Machine’ is a rollercoaster ride, though,
and well worth checking out. (Mike Salamone)
The Fleshies have an interesting sound that combines
influences from such eighties bands as Black Flag and The Butthole Surfers with
more modern style straight ahead rawk and bands like At the Drive In. It’s
familiar sounding, but different enough to stand out. The music is raw and
ragged, and the vocals are aggressive and in your face. About the only area
this band is lacking, and only slightly, is the songwriting. The riffs and
lyrics are good, but somehow when they get put together the results aren’t
nearly as memorable as one would like. The tunes are better than average, but
seem to be missing something. This is still a lot better than most of what I
hear, though. The songs may not be great, but they’re at least good, and the
interesting blend of influences earns the band some points, as well. (Bob
Ignizio)
I already
reviewed this when it came out as an import 2 years ago. Now that ‘By the
Grace of God’ finally has an official domestic release, I just want to point out
again how good it is. Some Hellacopters fans have been disappointed by the
group’s shift from raw, garagey rawk to a more melodic sound. I don’t expect to
change their minds. Underground music fans have a tendency to fixate on the
early albums by their favorite artists, and get upset at the slightest tinkering
with the formula. There’s no way they’ll accept the unapologetic pop songs
presented here. For those more open minded listeners, though, this is a real
treat. Yeah, the Hellacopters are just doing their take on seventies pop
rockers like Cheap Trick and KISS, but they do it really well. The title track,
“Down on Freestreet”, “Carry Me Home”, “It’s Good But it Just Ain’t Right” and
“Go Easy Now” are just great songs. There’s plenty of bands out there “pushing
the boundaries” of music who can’t even pull off one song as memorable as
anything on here. I like to hear innovative music as much as anyone, but when
you can write songs this good in a familiar style, who needs innovation? (Bob
Ignizio)