FREAK KITCHEN
WOW!!!! I am simply stunned that I hadn't heard of these guys till now.
Why?? Because they are from Sweden and they don't have a U.S.
record deal. Why?? I have no clue. Because these guys are simply one of
the coolest sounding bands I've heard all year. Led by guitar
maniac/vocalist, Mattias "IA" Eklund, the band plays tight, hook laden,
metal with a twist: there songs are full of humor, interesting
arrangements, tons of guitar, terrific vocals and a catchyness to each track, that you
won't stop humming for days. So I went out and bought all of their
releases. I could NOT believe how good these CD's were. Each disc was filled with
terrific songs and melodies and some pretty good damn funny lyrics to
boot. So who do they sound like you ask? Well here goes: Imagine the
heavyness of 'Black Album' Metallica crossed with a bit of punk-edge of
the Offspring and then throw in some old school Extreme/Skid Row and then
blend it with Frank Zappa's wit, Alice in Chains Sludge and some
of the psychidelics of Soundgarden and the groove of KING'S X. I simply
can't recommend a better band for fans of kick ass hard rock with a twist.
Each disc stands on it's own as a terrific masterpiece. Here is a brief overview of each album:
MOVE (2002)
Simply slamming. Opens with "Propaganda Pie", with it's
heavy groove and tons of slamming guitar hooks, to the catchy 'Razor
Flowers' and humorous 'Porno Daddy'. Each track is bouncy, heavy and
catchy and guitar fans will scratch their heads in awe.
DEAD SOUL MEN (2000)
More stripped down and heavier, with faster paced
songs and some intense solos. Tons of stacked background vocals
and a hysterical song titled "Shithead".
FREAK KITCHEN III (1999)
Their most experimental and diverse disc of their career. It
has a mellower vibe. Lot's of layers and lots of cool sonic production.
The songs are extremely well written, from the un-apologetic "We've Heard It All
Before", to the humerous "My New Haircut", the band simply plays the hell
out of each track. The production has an in your face dryness that sounds
amazing on a good stereo.
FREAK KITCHEN III (1997)
Heavy as hell and catchy as a pocket full of
fishhooks. Punishing production and a huge sound that has comparisons to
that of Metallica's famous 'Black Album'. The songs are bit funnier in subject
matter - especially "Haw Haw Haw" with a chorus that will make you laugh.
APPETIZER (1995)
The debut CD. Heavy, slamming and funny. Arrangements
are good, but need maturing. Title track is excellent, as is the rest of
the album. The production is top notch. Not often heard in a debut album.
