Napalm Death "Words From The Exit Wound" (1998)

Here we are again with another Napalm Death record to consume and digest. Having recently covered their newest release "Apex Predator - Easy Meat" I continued, based on a recommendation from a friend, with another record from their 90s era of experimentation with incorporating elements of Groove Metal and Hardcore into their sound. Just two years after "Diatribes" I was expecting a dose of groovin grinds, slamming blast beats and head banging hooks, which the opening track "The Infiltrator" delivered like a hit to a fiend. Excited for the rest of the record, I found the mood and pace to shift direction, and within a few tracks and this album had a harder substance to divulge and after several listens I've grown fond of this record, which although feeling similar to Diatribes, its quite a different beast.

By the third track "Next Of Kin To Chaos" the tempo is calming and a slow grinding tremolo picked riff guides the song too discordant notation and progressive leads that focus on developing a mood and builds up an intense atmosphere thats not orchestrated by dizzying blast beats, or pummeling aggression. From this point forward Naplam feel co-ordinated and expressive through guitar riffs that contain tempered grooves and chugs, instead of blunt force brutality. Theres a subtle Hardcore vibe at work in the guitar rhythms that resonate tightly with themselves as the drums keep pace. This feels especially emphasized on "Devouring Depraved" as the orcherstrating drums build up suspense by crashing down on the toms with tribal instinct, for a subtle, powerful and chugging riff to slam in with the songs climax.

As the record plays out the group play through a variety of ideas that let the guitar speak for itself, aswell as bring in some "clean-ish" vocals in places. "Incendiary Incoming" is a track worthy of mention that sees Napalm step to a southern vibe with slick pinch harmonics and a bendy, shuffling groove rhythm guitar reminiscent of Dimebag. The tighter guitar and composed attitude of this record makes for one that offers more than "all out heavy". The mood and vibe of each track becomes bigger than its peak or "break out" moment, and an array of interesting compositions emerge in the quieter moments, many with a subtle Hardcore tinge to them. A strong album that does not show its colours without several listens through.

Favorite Tracks: The Infiltrator, Next Of Kin To Chaos, Cleanse Impure, Devouring Depraved, Incendiary Incoming, Thrown Down A Rope

Rating: 7/10

Pantera "Vulgar Display Of Power" (1992)

Today is a sad day. The 8th of December marks the 10 years its been since the death of Dimebag Darell, one of Metals greatest guitarists, known for his sonic lead guitar solos and tight groove rhythms as well as being a all round nice guy and drinking machine. He played lead guitar in Pantera, the group that prevailed Metal through the 90s in the absence of Metallica and rise of Alternative and Grunge. His death was tragic, the events of that day in 2004 shook the Metal community hard, and this day, or more so his music, has since been celebrated by metalheads around the world. It seemed fitting today to write about "Vulgar Display Of Power", Pantera's "second" album and the peak of their commercial success and a massively influential album on the next generation of Metal.

Having reformed their sound with the previous album "Cowboys From Hell", Pantera define what their about on this record, ditching the high pitch vocal leads and focusing more on tight grooves, Pantera create a powerful, violent metalic sound with crushing rhythms to pound your fist and bang your head too. Anselmo backs the attitude of this strong, aggressive sound with his Hardcore like lyrics of self empowerment and mental strength, his voice is powerful and angry, he screams with a balance that makes him audible and understandable. He's a character, one some consider one of metals greatest of vocalists, but for me he brings an undeniable energy when coupled with the instrumental sound of Pantera, one thats not there in other projects of his.

Taking the forefront of attention in Pantera's music is Dimebag's guitar presence, boasting a dense, thick crushing guitar tone, he bangs out endless tight rhythmic grooves song after song. There performed to perfection, continually energetic and enthralling, getting stuck in your mind. Dimebag has a great understanding of both simplicity and complexity, understanding the relation between the two and how to execute them with attitude. For example "A New Level", a simple, effective chord progression that any beginner could learn to play, the song then shifts gear into a tight picking rhythm, upping the anti. "No Good" demonstrates Dimebags technical riffing, something more frequent of other records. The most important factor in Dimebags rhythm guitar is his musical relationship with his brother Vinnie. Often overlooked, Vinnie's machine like drumming is crucial in Dimebags grooves, providing narrative and often emphasizing the harder hitting moments in his riffage. Vinnie's beats are not like regular Metal drummers, and playing Dime's riffs to regular drum patterns will demonstrate this clearly. Drummers are often overlooked for their contribution, their flair can be limited by the objective of their position, as opposed to the wide range of sounds a guitarist can produce. When it comes to Dimebag's tight Rhythmic grooves the importance of Vinnie is often overlooked.

When it comes to Dime's lead guitar there is no competition. This man accelerates into his own universe when hes shreds, leaving everyone behind. His leads are colorful, imaginative and mind bending, always executed with impeccable precision, even when performing when heavily intoxicated. Across Pantera's discography, his solos are widely varied, imaginative and inspiring. There captivating and something you need to hear for yourself to understand. Vulgar Display Of Power is a full on record, its spruced up by two gentler melodic tracks "This Love" & "Hollow" that demonstrate the groups genuine musical talent. It's a break in pace but doesn't stir up what is a straight forward execution of pummeling aggression from start to end. Its a great sounding record, the guitars and drums are captured dynamically. The kit sound fantastic in the mix, every kick, snare and cymbal punching in with reverb, and without clashing with the guitar. The bass is a touch tame, just backing the guitar throughout. Classic record, one to get will get you pumped up and full of energy, great for running or lifting. RIP Dimebag. I Can't believe its been ten years... Thank you for the music.

Favorite Tracks: Walk, Fucking Hostile, This Love, No Good, Hollow

Rating: 9/10

As Blood Runs Black "Allegiance" (2006)

As Blood Runs Black are an American Deathcore band who formed in the early years of the Deathcore scene and dropped this, their debut album, at the peak of the genres popularity in 2006. After giving this one a spin during a work out today, I felt compelled to talk about it. This is one of the better sounds to emerge from the scene that would become plagued with mimicking bands and a flood of mediocre music.

The groups sound leans much closer to Metalcore and Hardcore than its Death Metal counterpart, what is "Death" about it is rather sonicly visceral and full on than anything remotely Death Metal, this is often true of many Deathcore bands that have an abrasive sound only similar in tone and aggression, not often in mood or substance. The heavy side of their sound comes from the aesthetic and songwriting where these typical Metalcore style songs break away into slamming, pummeling breakdowns with simplistic grooves and machine-like drumming that rattles away with exceptional precision, and lots of use of triggers, the end of "My Fears have Become Phobias" being an example. These slams and breaks are accompanied by a solid vocal presence ranging from snarled screams to forceful guttural rawrs, and the occasional gang shout.

Although they will be more noticeably be defined by these characteristics, the group write decent Metalcore leads, with memorable riffs making use of melodics and pinch harmonics that ads up to create exciting and aggressive music. My problem with this album is its lack of substance, after the first three songs the group change the mood with a gentle instrumental "Pouting Reign", a song that lacks any real progression or musical ideas, and from this point onwards the Metal tracks never really live up to the promise of the first few, recycling the same ideas, or trying things that just don't do it for me. Decent record, great sound, but a lack of depth in the songwriting department.

Favorite Tracks: In Dying Days, My Fears Have Become Phobias, Hester Prynne

Rating: 5/10

Rollins Band "The End Of Silence" (1992)

This is more than music, this is therapy for those who didn't know they needed it... Rollins Band is the group of Henry Rollins, former front man of legendary Hardcore group Black Flag, and this, their third album, was an unforeseen break through to the mainstream earning them rotation on MTV during the Alternative era. The End Of Silence is a powerful record, raw and provocative Blues wrapped in a powerful, Hardcore, Metalic aesthetic provides an invigorating, inspirational and emotional listen every single time. This is for lifting to your arms ache, running until your knees shake. This is about dealing with it all.

If you are familiar with Rollins, then it will be no surprise the subject matter of these songs are heavy, emotional, introspective experiences as Rollings puts himself under the microscope with brutal honesty. The pains of life and death are embraced wholly here as Rollins dives into his personal torments. His voice is phenomenal, lets make one thing clear, Rollins can barely sing a note, but his scream, his shout, his energy he forces out is monolithic. Here is a man bearing all, giving everything hes got. Both live and on this record, hearing Rollins preform is overwhelming, its as if there isn't a drop of energy left in his body to give. His scream on Just Like You, "My body is scared by age, now you get to taste my rage", Gives me goosebumps every time. Rollins is a blues singer, working out his issues through the music. His honesty has taught me that there is no shame in pain, and you must deal with it to grow.

The three that make up the instrumentals have a charismatic chemistry that provides the perfect soundtrack to Rollins's intense vocal presence on these tracks. Weiss's bass pounds and grooves in unison with the rhythm section, with a fuzzy, raw sound that can provide a memorable and impressive lead (What Do You Do). Cain's drumming is dynamic and versatile, bringing rocking grooves and maintaining intensity and rythmic groove during the slower bluesy parts. Haskett's guitar approach is an integral part of the bands sound, with his charismatic licks and leads, Haskett has forged a bluesy lead sound so unique and unmistakable. It edges between Blues, Hardcore Punk and Metal, but ultimately is its own sound and brings a real emotional connection with Rollins output. This album is 72 minutes of hard hitting, emotional, intense music that digs deep in the mind. "Life wont break your heart, It will crush it".

Favorite Tracks - Low Self Opinion, You Didn't Need, What Do You Do, Another Life, Just Like You.

Rating: 9/10