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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.
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.
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
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