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.

Top 20 Metal Albums Of 2015

Last week I posted a run-down of my top 20 albums of 2015, but of course this covered all of the albums I heard during the course of the year, regardless of genre. I thought it would be a good idea to also make two separate lists, one covering just Metal albums and the other covering other genres. I don't know how many people are interested in this idea or how useful it will be, but for the Metal fans among you (and I know there are a few), I give you my top 20 Metal albums of 2015. To make it more helpful, I have indicated the sub-genre in brackets.

20. Melechesh - Enki (Black Metal)

19. 36 Crazyfists - Time And Trauma (Alt. Metal)

18. Magic Circle - Journey Blind (Trad / Doom Metal)

17. W.A.S.P. - Golgotha (Trad Metal)

16. Korpiklaani - Noita (Folk Metal)
15. Avatarium - The Girl With The Raven Mask (Doom Metal)
14. Moonspell - Extinct (Gothic Metal)
13. Vreid - Sólverv (Pagan Black Metal)
12. Arcturus - Arcturian (Avant-Garde Black Metal)
11. Lamb Of God - VII: Sturm Und Drang (Groove Metal)
10. Parkway Drive - Ire (Metalcore)
9. Paradise Lost - The Plague Within (Gothic Metal)
8. Morokh - The Unholy Masquerade (Sludge / Black / Death / Hardcore / Punk)
7. Amorphis - Under The Red Cloud (Folk / Pagan Metal)
6. Kampfar - Profan (Pagan Black Metal)
5. Cradle Of Filth - Hammer Of The Witches (Gothic Black Metal)
4. Fear Factory - Genexus (Industrial Metal)
3. Myrkur - M (Black Metal)
2. Slayer - Repentless (Thrash)
1. Iron Maiden - The Book Of Souls (Trad Metal)

Top 20 albums of 2015 (list)

For the benefit of those who can't be bothered to read through the write-ups or just don't want to, here's the full top 20 in a simple list format. As there were so many quality releases this year that didn't make the top 20 which I think are worthy of a mention, I am currently compiling a top 50 list.

20. Avatarium - The Girl With The Raven Mask
19. Moonspell - Extinct
18. Vreid - Sólverv
17. Arcturus - Arcturian
16. Therapy? - Disquiet
15. Lamb Of God - VII: Sturm Und Drang
14. FFS - FFS
13. Parkway Drive - Ire
12. Paradise Lost - The Plague Within
11. Morokh - The Unholy Masquerade

10. Amorphis - Under The Red Cloud
9. Ugly Kid Joe - Uglier Than They Used Ta Be
8. Kampfar - Profan
7. Clutch - Psychic Warfare
6. Cradle Of Filth - Hammer Of The Witches
5. Fear Factory - Genexus
4. Myrkur - M
3. Slayer - Repentless
2. Marilyn Manson - The Pale Emperor
1. Iron Maiden - The Book Of Souls

Top 20 Albums Of 2015 - Part 4: 5 - 1

5. Fear Factory - Genexus

You've heard the adage "if it ain't broke(n), don't fix it. Well this can certainly be applied to Fear Factory. Instantly recognisable, the band's distinctive style remains intact and rather than trying to reinvent themselves, they instead opt to continue to tweak and fine-tune their sound to perfection. 

4. Myrkur - M

I don't what to say about the brilliant Murkur that hasn't already al been said, but if you've been living under a rock this year then this woman is, to quote Terrorizer magazine, "The future of Black Metal. This sublime debut album effortlessly blends the beauty of Scandinavian Folk Music and the ferocity of Black Metal. Like a siren in Greek mythology , Amalie lures you in with her haunting beautiful "clean" singing voice before tearing your face off with harsh Black Metal vocals which wouldn't have sounded out of place on an early Emperor or Mayhem record. This is a revelation and is without a doubt, the Black Metal album of the year.

3. Slayer - Repentless

Fist off, let me say that I have never been the world's biggest Slayer fan. In fact, I opted not to even bother watching their headline set at Bloodstock a few years back (something I won't be doing next year). The occasional song here and there aside, I haven't really rated them since 1994's "Divine Intervention", so when news reached my ears of a new Slayer album (and the first without founder member and major songwriter, Jeff  Hanneman) I wasn't really interested. Curiosity got the better of me though, so I listened to it anyway...and it completely blew me away. Tom sounds refreshed and delivers his vocals with the passion of the early releases, the riffs are fast and furious and  most importantly, there are songs here. Memorable songs. Maybe they were out to prove the doubters wrong, that they not only could continue without Jeff, but that they are every bit as relevant as they ever were or maybe the album was a tribute to Jeff? Who knows. All I know is that these veterans have emphatically stamped their mark on the Metal world again, 34 years after their formation.

A word of warning: The video below is not for the faint of heart.

2. Marilyn Manson - The Pale Emperor

Let's face it, Mr Warner hasn't been "dangerous" or even remotely relevant since 2003's "The Golden Age Of Grotesque". He had actually become a sad and pathetic parody of what he once was and following a slew of sub-standard albums and lacklustre live performances, his fans deserted him in droves. Fast forward to the tail-end of 2014 and rumblings began which seemed to herald the return of the once mighty Marilyn Manson and "Third Day Of A Seven Day Binge",the first song to emerge from the upcoming album, "The Pale Emperor" seemed to bear this out. His fans, (including yours truly) however, were a little reluctant at first. Then came the single "Deep Six" and everything fell into place. Yes, this really was the return of the old Manson, just a little older, wiser and a lot less controversial. The Pale Emperor is Marilyn Manson's most fully formed and well-rounded work to date and could surpass Antichrist Superstar to be remembered as the band's masterpiece in years to come.

1. Iron Maiden

There was only one real choice for album of the year, despite strong challenges from the artists above. Iron Maiden released their first album in 5 years and the 16th in their long and (mostly) illustrious career. Never a band to play it safe, that they would opt to release such an ambitious album, a double-album no less, after existing as a recording artist for 35 years just emphasises that there is no compromise with Iron Maiden, and specifically, main man Steve Harris. This is a band that have always done things on their own terms. Of course, we should have known that such a move was never going to be a gamble for Maiden and that the album was going to be a success was all but assured. Everything you want from a Maiden album is here and even epic album closer "Empire Of The Clouds" which clocks in at 18:03 (and which features Bruce Dickinson on piano) is never boring. Iron Maiden are not going to be around forever and if "The Book Souls" turns out to be their final album, they will have gone out on top of their game.

Top 20 Albums of 2015 - Part 3: 10 - 6

10. Amorphis - Under The Red Cloud

Finnish legends, Amorphis have released their strongest album in years and possibly the best since current singer, Tomi Joutsen joined the band a decade ago. The band's unique and trippy take on Folk (tinged) Metal is still as distinctive as ever, as is Tomi's diverse vocal range with his Gothic Metal style clean voice contrasting sublimely with the throaty roar of his harsh vocals. There really is no other band out there like Amorphis and their sound continues to evolve and grow, 25 years after their inception. "Under The Red Cloud" is yet another triumph.

9. Ugly Kid Joe - Uglier Than They Used Ta Be

The latest in the seemingly never ending list of "comeback" bands, UKJ are back with their new album, the brilliantly titled "Uglier Than They Used Ta Be". Where this band are a more interesting prospect than many of their peers, however, is that they are better, much better, than they were back in the day. Although the "distinctive" artwork might be instantly familiar to those who remember them from the first time around, anyone expecting "Everything About You" or suchlike is going to be suprised / amazed. "Uglier..." is a powerful Grunge-fuelled hard rock powerhouse of an album that should impress even the harshest of critics. The band has never sounded so good. Welcome back, guys!

8. Kampfar - Profan

It's not often you come across a band who not only get better and better with age, but who have seemingly not yet peaked. Last year's "Djevelmakt" was a stunning example of just how much Black Metal still has to offer, but "Profan" is even better. Yes, not only are Kampfar hitting their stride now, after two decades, but they have also released an album for two consecutive years, with the latest being the band's best to date. "Profan" finds these ferocious Norwegians on fine form and not only are Kampfar easily the best Pagan Black Metal band out there right now, but they are definite contenders for THE best Black Metal band. They really are that good.

7. Clutch - Psychic Warfare

Clutch do what they do and if you're already familiar with them, you know what to expect from the new album. "Psychic Warfare" is a raucous blues rock explosion of unstoppable, pure rock fury. Very possibly the most consistently brilliant rock band on the planet, they are certainly one of the best. 'Nuff said.

6. Cradle Of Filth - Hammer Of The Witches

Much maligned British Gothic Black Metallers, Cradle Of Filth have, like many others on my list this year, come storming back with their finest work in a long time. COF haven't sounded this vital since "Cruelty And The Beast" which was released a shocking 17 years ago. Dani's voice sounds as good as it ever did as he screeches and roars his way through the duration of "Hammer...", sounding especially vicious on tracks such as "Vampyre At My Side" and "Yours Immortally". Musically, the arrangements are as complex and tight as anything the band has put its name to. Let's be honest though, you either like COF or you don't and "Hammer Of The Witches" won't change your opinion either way.

Top 20 Albums of 2015 - Part 2: 15 - 11

15. Lamb Of God - VII: Sturm Und Drang

With all the hype surrounding Episode VII this year, it seems rather fitting that Lamb Of God would unleash their 7th album in 2015 and that like its visual counterpart, "VII: Sturm Und Drang" would see the and return to their best form in quite some time. As uncompromising as ever. this is the true definition of Groove Metal and the bar has been raised....again!

14. FFS - Self-titled

The only non-Metal album in my top 20 comes courtesy of a collaboration between Indie rockers, Franz Ferdinand and Art-Pop Legends, Sparks and the result is every bit as eclectic and brilliant as you might imagine. The lyrics are irreverant, cynical and achingly clever and musically FFS sound like, well Sparks meets Franz Ferdinand. If you need to buy just one "Pop" album this year, then it should be this one. Truly masterful.

13. Parkway Drive - Ire

Australia's Parkway Drive have been doing the rounds for over a decade now and are finally starting to get noticed in the Northern hemisphere. I first heard them 5 years ago at which point I tipped them for future greatness (just saying), and in a similar way to bands like AX7 and Audrey Horne, the band has gone through something of a metamorphosis. Although not as drastic a style shift as the aforementioned bands, "Ire" marks a noticeable step away from the Metalcore of old and the result is a much more mature and varied Hardcore-tinged Metal album (yes, there is a difference). The band are still raging against the machine and the lyrics are still about fighting the system and self-empowerment, but this time around they are armed with some seriously memorable tunes that will stick in your head. "Ire" should be the album to propel the band into the Metal "mainstream". This is their time.

12. Paradise Lost - The Plague Within

Paradise Lost have long since left behind their dalliances with New Wave and Goth Rock and are back doing what they do best, which is a distinctive take on Doom / Gothic Metal which has been often imitated, but never bettered. New album, "The Plague Within" finds the band sounding heavier than they have in many, many years. The signs that this was coming were clear to see, with guitarist Gregor forming the crushingly heavy Vallenfyre and vocalist Nick joining the ranks of Swedish Death Metal legends, Bloodbath. Of course this return to the heaviness of their early records has been backed up as always, by the stellar songwriting that has always helped Paradise Lost to stand out from their peers. The Plague Within is the culmination of a 10 year journey, started in 2005 on the self-titled album which brought back the band's unique and easily recognisable guitar sound which had been in the wilderness since the late 1990s.

11. Morokh - The Unholy Masquerade

Russia's Morokh are somewhat reminiscent of Norway's Kvelertak and this of course makes them a hard band to pin down sonically. With a sound that takes in Punk, Thrash, Hardcore, Sludge, Black Metal and more. "The Unholy Masquerade" is a full-on stormer from start to finish and at 32 minutes in duration, it makes its point in no uncertain terms.That this superb album is the band's debut is nothing short of a triumph. I just hope they can follow up such a promising start when it comes time to record album number 2. For now though, this will do nicely.
Listen to and buy it here for just $7 - you won't be disappointed.

Standout track: Lead Me Away