Weedeater "Sixteen Tons" CD
[Berserker/Crucial Blast]
As the band name would suggest, here's some heavy as all hell, fuzzed out, burly stoner/doom rock/metal with some twisted vocal screams that do indeed suggest that some weed may in fact have been eaten at some point during the recording sessions. That being said, this is also a lot better than a good deal of what's out there when it comes to this style of music. Is it original? Aside from how fucking crazy the vocals are, no, not particularly. In fact, it's not that innovative at all. But they've got a good, dirty sound, the songs flow well, they're not boring, and it should appeal to those who are heavily into this genre. I think the sheer power of the vocals alone gives them an edge because it totally changes the atmosphere of the songs... there's something desperate and fucked up about the vocals that really works. "Woe's Me" even has some acoustic guitars and deeply spoken gruff vocals, which is one of the most creative pieces on the entire disc. I wouldn't say it's one of the best songs, but it is interesting, and a direction that I think they could do something with under different circumstances. The same goes for the superb melodic bass instrumental that closes the disc, "Kira May". Incorporating these influences into their song structures would probably put them over the top and make them really stand apart. The recording is pretty damn good. The guitars sound perfect, totally gritty but heavy, and the drums are resonant and right where they should be. The vocals are nicely placed deep in with the music, and the bass (which I believe is usually distorted) adds some nice low-end with the percussion. I like the layout on this one. The illustrations are cool, the recurring images of paper currency are interesting, the band photos are cool, I really like the handwritten lyrics, etc. I'm not so into the lyrics, but they don't bother me. "Sometimes I think I don't think I don't know I can't tell maybe I shouldn't breathe maybe it's just as well, probably shouldn't reach into the wishing well, shut the fuck up that's all I see sit down sucker punch now you feel like me..." So, yeah... I mean, this is good stuff. It's nothing particularly groundbreaking and there are a lot of stereotypical riffs and slower tempos here, but the band is good at what they do. So while they don't make me really jump for joy, I do appreciate it, and I think that those who are more into this genre would definitely be wise to look into this. (6/10)
Running time - 43:13, Tracks: 10
[Notable tracks: Time Served, Buzz, Kira May]
Crucial Blast Industries - http://www.crucialblast.net

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