Don't sit there thinking that this is a new band after seeing all of the promo spots this band has seen on WWE Wrestling. What a big push for this flagship band from Florida is getting from this new label.
I need to fill some history for those that like to be informed. Kelly Shaefer first came to my attention in the early 80's when he was in a band R.A.V.A.G.E who later became Atheist. Atheist in my book ruled! They were melding great playing skills with death metal and jazz along with Kelly's distinctive evil voice. Nobody was playing like that band at the time really.
Then 1997 saw a two song promo coming my way and they were being produced by AC/DC's Brian Johnson. Who went on to produce the bands Seed record that I wasn't bowled over by. It had a few good moments and it did tread in very original areas but it didn't stick.
Now we forward to today in 2002. We see a bit of an image slide and three new members are brought in. Jason, Chris and Migwell are their names. They also brought back Doug Kaye at the production helm and the renowned Kevin Shirley supplying an awesome hard mix!
The record is definitely a punch in the arm of today's rock. It does have its Alice In Chains tinges but certainly stands on its own two feet and really slays them in my ears. Just from the opener "Ride Of Your Life" the foundations are shaking and it proceeds to rock your ass off! "(I Feel) Down" is a track that is much more down in the feel and Kelly's voice shines. You'll note that the grooves they are laying down are pretty hooky. That is a sludgier track.
"Don't Blow It Away" does show even more power and force behind it as the record builds. That track is a definite sonic rocker that works. They will also give that phatter nu-metal fan something to dig. "All My Friends Crush You" does crush you! They lyrics dig alittle deep, listen up. "Stars In My Eyes" does have some very clean vocal sides. I did note Kelly adding tiny brutal emphasis.
"Living In Dogs Years" starts hard and with an interesting riff and then gets funky and heavy like in its bouncy way. "Up In The Hay" is surely one of the sleeper standout tracks here. It has more sonic Sabbath like groove. And the following track "A Lot Of The Same" stood out for its nice gloomier pound.
This was a very refreshing record. Definitely discover the three other tracks I didn't ramble on about.
I can see this record doing some serious damage sales wise. It is that damned good if you just don't go and lump it as this or that. A good original side is here. This band is ready to strike. Whatcha gonna do?
