Killdozer/Ritual Device split 10"
Man's Ruin Records
Forget Econium - these two midwestern punk bands do the definitive Led Zeppelin covers on this innovatively packaged piece of vinyl.
The record, on lovely gray vinyl, comes in a reversible sleeve - one side designed to look like a cigarette package, the other with the hidden, "offensive" sleeve.
On side one, Wisconsin's Killdozer does a dirge version of "When the Levee Breaks" that blows away not only the original, but also anything Killdozer's done in the past several years. It isn't a joke cover - the 'dozer take one of the more irritating Zeppelin tunes and makes it a solid, amazing, heavy song.
Nebraska's (sadly defunct) Ritual Device takes the flip with a twisted, evil version of "No Quarter" that sounds like the soundtrack to a serial killer's mind. Ritual Device forego the rhythm-oriented sound of their fantastic lp, Henge, for a more guitar-driven style.
Ritual Device's side has an added bonus Ÿ a goofy countrified version of "Hot Dog" that'll leave the listener unsure whether to square dance or slam dance.
Econium was a collection of bad, overblown rock bands doing uninspired takes on (questionably) classic songs. For the real deal, search this out - you won't be disappointed.ŸG.D.
Fudge Tunnel
In A Word
Earache Records
This latest release from "one of the most criminally under-rated bands in the history of heavy music" (their words) is the band's attempt to placate the "the numerous fans" who have been bothering them "for years" to compile previously un-released demos, covers and live performances.
Well fans, be careful what you ask for, you might get it.
The downfall of most demos and live performances is that they are recorded without release in mind and subsequently don't sound very good. In A Word is no exception. To add to the misfortune of the listener, Fudge Tunnel has compiled songs containing boring riffs, accented by mid-tempo drudgery, which repeat ad nauseum. The live tracks are dull enough to make even the most avid mosher abandon his portrayal of a damaged sperm (constantly circling and bashing into things) and wonder what drove him to such a practice in the first place.
Unfortunately Fudge Tunnel did not find it necessary to print any of the lyrics contained on this album so I cannot detail for you the verbal intricacies of songs such as "Sex Mammoth" "Sweet Meat" and "Gut Rot," my apologies.
Dear reader, please don't buy this record as it has no redeeming qualities. I would fret terribly if you owned it.ŸM.R.