Long before the Anti-American bandwagon kicked in full force with bands
like Green Day in 2004, there was Death By Stereo. Unlike most popularly
known "political" punk bands, DBS don't restrain themselves to a few
powerchords and Bush bashing. They have made, and still make, fast paced,
aggressive, melodic and politically engaged melodic hardcore punk ever
since they started.
Their latest effort 'Into The Valley Of Death' strikes with the same
fervor (or more) as their previous albums. Efrem Schulz proves his vocal
style to still be extremely versatile, switching from a male sounding
Shakira (just listen to 'Beyond The Blinders' and you'll get what I mean) and Dennis Lyxzen with a pony tail and a Californian new school punk attitude. Jim Miner comes up with the sickest lead guitar parts over Dan Palmer's heavy buffing fits. Paul Miner's bass partitions, contrarily to must punk bands, can easily be heard, with its distinguished riffs which accompany the melody very well. And Tom Henning, as a real pro, ties everything together with his blast beats, double pedals and oh-so-ever trusty crash cymbals.
This band has proven the test of time with their boundless zeal and determination to make catchy violent punk rock with an attitude. And how well have they perfected that attitude! With witty song titles such as 'I Wouldn't Piss In Your Ear If Your Brain Was On Fire' and lyrics such as "If you can't take the heat; stay out of the fucking kitchen" there is no doubt so many kids, angry at capitalism, idolize this band. Their sound is more refined then ever, now complete with solos, breakdowns and many surprises, especially in 'Let Down And Alone'.
For fans of Raised Fist, Propagandhi and BigWig. Another great CD to add to your collection you angry, young and poor kiddies. Or maybe you'd rather go for Green Day's 'American Idiot'? You pick.
Guillaume Potvin |
| Coding: Darren Burrows