This
new 4-song EP showcases some fairly drastic changes with AT since their
full-length release of 2002. Previously, this band’s obvious influences were
‘My War’-era Black Flag and Bl’ast. While those influences are still present
here, the whole thing has been switched up a bit with some heavy rock influences
(especially on the title track, a cover of Thin Lizzy). Going along with the
new sound is a new vocalist as well, former Clevelander Jimmy (ex-Dirtbag). His
vocals come across as more manic and insane compared to the straight-up yelling
and harshness of the prior singer. While I somewhat miss the earlier pure anger
and suicide-obsessed vocals/lyrics from the first LP, Jimmy’s vocals fit the
band’s current style a lot more. Only complaint is this release is a bit too
short – only 4 songs/8 minutes – but I’ve already listened to it more than the
first LP – hopefully a new full-length will come along soon. Cool cover art by
Jeff Gaither (did some album covers for the Accused) too. (http://www.deadaliverecords.com
http://www.holychurchofannihilation.com ) (Russ Romance)
Norwegian
black metal by way of Akron. Of course purists (and the band themselves) will
say this is as much death as black metal, but I’m a simple guy. Since this
leans more towards the black side of things soundwise, I’m gonna’ stick with my
assessment. Anyway, labels aside, this is some powerful tuneage. The three
songs contained on this promo are relentless in their assault, and while there
aren’t really any “hooks” as such, the song writing and arranging are quite good
for the style. The production strikes a nice balance between the ragged lo-fi
sounds favored by many black metal fans and the more polished sounds of bands
like Dimmu Borgir, and the musicianship is undeniably solid. There are no
lyrics included, and since the vocals are the usual growling and tortured
screams one would expect from a band like this, I can’t comment on that aspect.
But with song titles like “An Angel’s Rage”, “Blood Wrath”, and “Revenge”, it’s
unlikely that vocalist Dann Saladin is singing about love or cute fluffy
bunnies. Does it break new ground? Not really. But if you like your metal
dark and brutal, you’ll want to check this band out. Contact them at
http://www.bloodcoven.com. (Bob
Ignizio)
Bump N Uglies – ‘So Powerful So
Beautiful’ (Steel Cage)
BNU have
become even more wrestling-obsessed since their first CD. Not only
incorporating more wrestling moves into live show, they have founded their own
independent wrestling federation and have half the songs on this new release
dealing with their favorite subject. “Is It Fake!?!? Is It Fake!?!?”, “It Ain’t
Cheatin If The Ref Ain’t Looking” and “Theme From A Chairshot” (this one is
bound to be fun live) are all passionate looks at their pastime. Don’t dismiss
these guys as a gimmick band though, as the music on here is solid and varied.
Some tunes like “Is it Fake” are hard-hitting and near-hardcore while tunes like
“What We Do” take a more melodic punk approach. Good follow-up to a good first
album. (http://www.steelcagerecords.com
http://www.bumpnuglies.com ) (Russ Romance)
The
Coachwhips – ‘Bangers Vs. Fuckers’ (Narnack Records)
The Coachwhips are a terribly
noisy band. That isn't necessarily a bad thing though. This 11 song recording
is a crazy blend of distorted blues, rockabilly, and balls out rock 'n' roll.
No song goes longer than 2 and a half minutes. It's like Jon Spencer Blues
Explosion meets the Ramones. The vocals can sometimes get on your nerves,
simply because it's hard to decipher what exactly he's saying. Another problem
to this recording is the sound quality. The treble is pumped up way too much.
The best song on the record is the 46 second closer, "Goodbye, Goodnight". The
songs are quite catchy and make you feel like getting up and dancing around your
bedroom. This is not really my cup of tea, but it's worth checking out if you
are a fan of JSBX or even the local band Uncle Scratch's Gospel Revival. (Eddie
Fleisher)
This
new 4-song EP showcases some fairly drastic changes with AT since their
full-length release of 2002. Previously, this band’s obvious influences were
‘My War’-era Black Flag and Bl’ast. While those influences are still present
here, the whole thing has been switched up a bit with some heavy rock influences
(especially on the title track, a cover of Thin Lizzy). Going along with the
new sound is a new vocalist as well, former Clevelander Jimmy (ex-Dirtbag). His
vocals come across as more manic and insane compared to the straight-up yelling
and harshness of the prior singer. While I somewhat miss the earlier pure anger
and suicide-obsessed vocals/lyrics from the first LP, Jimmy’s vocals fit the
band’s current style a lot more. Only complaint is this release is a bit too
short – only 4 songs/8 minutes – but I’ve already listened to it more than the
first LP – hopefully a new full-length will come along soon. Cool cover art by
Jeff Gaither (did some album covers for the Accused) too. (
Norwegian
black metal by way of Akron. Of course purists (and the band themselves) will
say this is as much death as black metal, but I’m a simple guy. Since this
leans more towards the black side of things soundwise, I’m gonna’ stick with my
assessment. Anyway, labels aside, this is some powerful tuneage. The three
songs contained on this promo are relentless in their assault, and while there
aren’t really any “hooks” as such, the song writing and arranging are quite good
for the style. The production strikes a nice balance between the ragged lo-fi
sounds favored by many black metal fans and the more polished sounds of bands
like Dimmu Borgir, and the musicianship is undeniably solid. There are no
lyrics included, and since the vocals are the usual growling and tortured
screams one would expect from a band like this, I can’t comment on that aspect.
But with song titles like “An Angel’s Rage”, “Blood Wrath”, and “Revenge”, it’s
unlikely that vocalist Dann Saladin is singing about love or cute fluffy
bunnies. Does it break new ground? Not really. But if you like your metal
dark and brutal, you’ll want to check this band out. Contact them at
BNU have
become even more wrestling-obsessed since their first CD. Not only
incorporating more wrestling moves into live show, they have founded their own
independent wrestling federation and have half the songs on this new release
dealing with their favorite subject. “Is It Fake!?!? Is It Fake!?!?”, “It Ain’t
Cheatin If The Ref Ain’t Looking” and “Theme From A Chairshot” (this one is
bound to be fun live) are all passionate looks at their pastime. Don’t dismiss
these guys as a gimmick band though, as the music on here is solid and varied.
Some tunes like “Is it Fake” are hard-hitting and near-hardcore while tunes like
“What We Do” take a more melodic punk approach. Good follow-up to a good first
album. (
The Coachwhips are a terribly
noisy band. That isn't necessarily a bad thing though. This 11 song recording
is a crazy blend of distorted blues, rockabilly, and balls out rock 'n' roll.
No song goes longer than 2 and a half minutes. It's like Jon Spencer Blues
Explosion meets the Ramones. The vocals can sometimes get on your nerves,
simply because it's hard to decipher what exactly he's saying. Another problem
to this recording is the sound quality. The treble is pumped up way too much.
The best song on the record is the 46 second closer, "Goodbye, Goodnight". The
songs are quite catchy and make you feel like getting up and dancing around your
bedroom. This is not really my cup of tea, but it's worth checking out if you
are a fan of JSBX or even the local band Uncle Scratch's Gospel Revival. (Eddie
Fleisher)