Review Summary: Do you like raw intense punk? Do you enjoy AFI, Tiger Army or Samhaim? Do you like rich dark lyrics? If you answered yes to any of the following then you'll fit right in here.
What do you get when you combine the fast paced ex Tiger Army drummer London May with the energetic bassist from Samhaim, current multitasker guitarist Todd Youth (currently in The Chelsie Smiles) and immaculate vocalist Davey Havok the famed vocalist of none other than AFI? You get a raw intense horror-core/punk band chock full of energy, thumping bass lines, snappy drumming and a blazing guitarist crafting a cult classic titled "Songs From The Earth". Released on Nitro Record in 2001 many hardcore fans of the fore mentioned bands gladly relished in this outing while many of the, ermm less educated fans paid no notice, well that's all good and well because we didn't need you anyway.
Right away the opening track "Of Power" shows that Son of Sam are out to make a statement, with the gang chants, snappy drumming and Havoks wailing his heart out this is unmistakably a punk band and a dark one at that. "Evernight" showcases this best with Havok soothingly singing, "I've been speaking in silence, I've been tasting the screams" all the while allowing Todd Youth to technically impress you with his fantastic scratchy riffs layered over the quick and steady snap of London Mays admirable kit skills. "In The Hills" showcase London at his best and his drumming often steals the spotlight throughout the track which is not often an easy thing to do with Havok energetically half screaming half singing his heart out. The title track starts off slow and haunting before a slam of guitar chords assaults your ears while a fantastic bass line pours over the mix. The fantastic chant of "oh oh oh" fit the track perfectly while Havok employs some of his darkest lyrics on the album "as the flesh starts to split like the wrists that is slit, as I break and they split" all the while Havok uses a variety of vocal teqniques ranging from half whisper half singing to his powerful half sing half shout affair.
The second half of the album shows the supergroup only intensifying there output with "Satiate" again allowing Todd to impress with thrashing power chords that don't bore do to the fact that he switches up often and adds a scratchy rift and even a blazing solo to ensure that he continues to shine throughout. "Michael" starts off with the bass highlight of the album that remains audible and funky throughout while Todd again impresses with his scratchy bends and fantastic skills. Havok vocal performance dwells between Black Sails and Sing the Sorrow era output that should easily impress hardcore fans. "Purevil" may very well be the best track on the album, allowing Havoks vocal performance to shine as well as dark goth tinged lyrics such as "across a white floor, upon the porcelain glow there lies an animal, and it cries,beneath the white floor". The albums closer "Invocation" starts off with a chilling piano part and an interlude of sorts from Havok.
The albums faults basically in whether or not you like this type of music. AFI naysayers should find no problems with Havoks vocal performance as it is not feminine or boyish (most notable on AFI releases) but raw and full of almost potent energy. While Todd Youths guitar skills are often the highlight the rest of the band back him up tremendously with ever present and audible bass lines partnered with a snappy and full of energy output from London. Fans of Tiger Army, AFI, Misfits or really any raw goth tinged punk will find much to love here.
Recommended Tracks
Evernight
Songs From The Earth
Purevil
