Shotgun Rodeo - World Wide Genocide review

Band: Shotgun Rodeo
Album: World Wide Genocide
Label: Unsigned
Genre: Thrash / Groove/ Heavy Metal
Country: Norway
Release Date: 4th December 2015

Before I even start on the music I have to address the elephant in the room. Namely the terrible album art. Sorry lads, but if I had seen this in a record shop I'd have moved right along, which I'm sure you'll agree, would have been a real shame. As it is, the cover sells the band short, very short indeed and once you get past it, what you find is a band whose sound is unmistakably full on Metal, taking in Thrash, Groove, Melodic Death, Metalcore and even Power Metal along the way.

Rather than making the mistake many other younger bands make of trying to ape a certain band or era, Shotgun Rodeo just seem to instinctively "get it" and are an unstoppable groove machine,  delivering a near perfect blend of late 80s hooks, early 90s crunch and new school aggression, all wrapped up in an impeccably clean and crisp modern production, World Wide Genocide is an instant hit. Filled to bursting with crushing riffs, wailing solos, massive choruses and most importantly, memorable songs.

The album opens with a riff which wouldn't be out of place on a mid-period In Flames record, but the band's Groove / Thrash sensibilities rapidly take over and SR never look back, tearing through 60 minutes of blistering Heavy Metal. I say that, but of course there is the obligatory power ballad on the album in the form of "Rust". I mean, what kind of classic Metal record would be complete with at least one ballad? In their defense, SR pull it off with aplomb and the song wouldn't have been out of of place on Skid Row's classic "Slave To The Grind" album.

The guitarist clearly idolises Dimebag Darrell (which is not a real criticism) and the band are Lycra tight, but it is the vocalist who steals the show. His powerful vocal performance brings to mind Rob Halford, Sebastian Bach and early Phil Anselmo with a hint of Joey Belladonna, Bobby Ellsworth and even James Hetfield.

If "World Wide Genocide" had been released 20 years ago, it would very likely have been one of those genre classics still spoken of today. As it is, in 2016 this great band are most likely destined to reach a cult audience and be viewed as something of a curiosity, which is not only a shame, but does them a great disservice.

If I was going to nit pick - and I am - the lyrics on "Up In Smoke" are a little cringeworthy, but I'll put that down to English being the band's second language (I assume) and the album does loses a point for the overblown and forgettable self-indulgence of 10 minute closer, "Fear and Psychosis", which wouldn't have been missed if it had been omitted. In fact, for me it would have improved the album. Also, when a band wears its influences clearly on its sleeve for all to see (hear), there is always the danger of straying a little too close to being a tribute act and this is something SR do on the song "Up In Smoke", I won't name the band as it should be obvious. I mean, just listen to that guitar sound.

Those few negatives aside, SR are very possibly the best pure Metal band I have heard this century and are the perfect band for those who want new music, but are yearning for a comforting old school sound updated for 2016. Praise doesn't come higher than that, certainly not from me anyway. 

Total Playing Time: 61 minutes

Overall: 8/10

Tracklist:

Drown
The Silver Tongued Devils
Saving Myself
Knock 'Em Dead
Scavenger Of Death
Withered Earth
Skin Crawl
Rust
Up In Smoke
Among Wolves
Reckless Abandon
Dying Inside
Fear And Psychosis

Official Website: https://www.facebook.com/ShotgunRodeo/?fref=ts

January Review

So, we are just one month into 2016 and there have already been some great Metal releases, including at least one definite Top 20 of the year candidate. Here is my overview of the month's Metal highlights.

Black Tusk - Pillars Of Ash

The latest album from Punk / Sludge heroes, Black Tusk is not only their best to date, but is also the last to feature the unique vocal talents of Jonathan Athon who tragically died in November 2014 after being taken off life support following injuries received in a motorcycle accident. Pillars Of Ash is a tremendous album in its own right, but it also serves as a fitting epitaph to Jonathan.

Abbath - Abbath

Former Immortal founder / mainman, Abbath returns to the fray with his new self-titled project and it is pretty much business as usual for the Norwegian Black Metal legend. With his ear for a hook, Abbath delivers exactly what you might expect from Immortal or even his other project, I, just punchier and with a whole lot more groove.

Anthrax - For All Kings

What is there to say about legendary New Yorkers, Anthrax, other than they are currently on a career best form and are enjoying a well-deserved renaissance in popularity and respect. New album, For All Kings might not be as immediate as previous releases, but persevere with it and you will be rewarded with a fantastic collection of songs which is more than worthy of the Anthrax name.

Borknagar - Winter Thrice

Norways's Borknagar feature the combined vocal excellence of the amazing Vintersorg (Otyg, Vintersorg) and the inimitable ICS Vortex (Acturus) and latest release, Winter Thrice is yet another slice of Progressive Viking / Black Metal brilliance from these masters of their craft.

Fleshgod Apocalypse - King

Technical / Symphonic Black Metallers, Fleshgod Apocalypse are back with another fantastic release. King has a massive, bombastic sound which is reminiscent of Dimmu Borgir or Septic Flesh but with elements of the almost cinematic atmospherics of Cradle Of Filth or Nightwish and a nod to their homeland with a hint of Opera. This isn't for everybody, but if Technical Death Metal is your thing and you don't mind of bit of Symphonic pomp, then you should at least give this album a try.

Megadeth - Dystopia

We've been here before haven't we?! Following 1999's risible, Risk, MegaDave took a U-turn and attempted to regain some Metal credibility with subsequent releases, It has to be said that all was going brilliantly up until 2013 and the release of the plodding and tedious, Super Collider. Up until that point, Megadeth were on fire, releasing album after album of fast and furious modern Thrash Metal. It seemed that Dave released that Super Collider was a mistake almost immediately and publicly announced work on its follow up. Thankfully he may have, yet again, pulled his band back from the abyss with a great collection of tunes, which could be amongst the best ever released by this legendary band. Some iffy lyrics aside, this is a near flawless Megadeth album.

The Resistance - Coup De Grâce

The Resistance was formed in 2011 by former In Flames guitarist, Jesper Strömblad and The Haunted vocalist, Marco Aro (among other Swedish Metal legends) and immediately set about tearing the Death Metal world a new one. Their debut album, Scars, was a ferocious modern take on the old school Stockholm Death Metal of Entombed, Carnage, Dismember et al, along with smatterings of the their more southerly Gothenburg cousins, Arch Enemy and At The Gates and a healthy dose of Hardcore / Punk attitude. New album, Coup De Grâce is more of the same and if anything simply reaffirms the brilliance of this under-rated band.

Varg - Das Ende Aller Lügen

Germany's Varg are five albums into their career, yet still retain the ability to surprise. Whereas the band's basic Melodic Black Metal sound remains intact, this time there are elements of Industrial, Metalcore and even a little Trollfest-esque Humppa thrown into the mix. The finished result may occasionally come across as a little disjointed and the album is a little too long, but when it's good, such as on the excellent, Manson-meets-Rammstein stomp of Achtung, it really works.