D.O.A. - NORTHERN AVENGER CD

D.O.A. - NORTHERN AVENGER CD (SDR-0079)
I was pretty nervous about playing this CD, due to Joey Keithley being one of my all time favourite singer/songwriters to ever set foot on stage (or record in a studio) under the banner of hardcore punk. But as soon as the first chord rang out, a smile beamed across my face and I thought to myself - hell D.O.A. are still as fucking great as ever and even more so as I've been listening to them for the past 25 years. Even Randy Rampage is back on bass too, oh man, this fan boy (well old fart really) is a happy one. There's quite a lot of variety of styles herein; be it the ska/reggae/dub of 'Poor Poor Boy' (what an incredible song) and 'Set The Free'; to more punky 'Mountains That We Climbed' (how many bands going in America etc remember the debt owed to bands like D.O.A. etc and their hardcore working ethic that lead the path for many to follow), 'Still A Punk' (hey Joey, I hear ya man); the folky 'This Machine Kills' that leads straight into the mighty 'How Long Till The Day'. There's even light hearted stuff such as 'Donnybrook' and a John Fogarty cover. I can understand the disdain for California in 'Golden State', but don't get 'California Hardcore Last Chance'. The CD is just bursting with so many incredible songs and D.O.A. are one of those bands that have created their own sound and what's even more incredible some 30 years after they first started they are still creating such a standard of quality songs, full of melodic hooks and memorable riffs - they are still as important as ever. They are still doing things their way, they are still singing about injustice. TALK MINUS ACTION STILL MEANS NOTHING. You better fucking believe it.

SUDDEN DEATH RECORDS, CASCADES, PO BOX 43001, BURNABY, BC CANADA V5G 3HO.
www.suddendeath.com

KEITZER - AS THE WORLD BURNS CD

KEITZER - AS THE WORLD BURNS CD (YD071)

Metallic, grindcore from Germany. A sonic assault and battery from the first blast beat until the end. Their drummer is pretty fantastic and plays as fast as a tommy gun emptying cartridge, after cartridge of bullets. Straight-up, no frills, no bullshit mayhem. No porno, gore or other dubious lyrics are growled - despite no lyrics being included. If you like your early Earache, current Crimes Against Humanity styled grind and done really well, then look no further.

YELLOWDOG RECORDS, PO BOX 550208, 10372 BERLIN, GERMANY.

WWW.YELLOWDOG.DE

Yellowdog has a huge online web store, so check it out.

WWW.KEITZERGRIND.COM

PISSCHRIST - VICTIMS OF FAITH CD

PISSCHRIST - VICTIMS OF FAITH CD (YD 078)

All the way from Australia, via Germany, sees PISSCHRIST's new LP/CD - their 2nd full length. Getting by the fantastic artwork on the front sleeve should certainly tell you that this isn't light weight or definitely 'ain't no feeble bastard'. In fact, enclosed are 15 songs fericious and stunning more day d-beat, that flourishes and kicks out some fantastic Swedish influenced mayhem. Well recorded and boasting a punch of harsh music that is needed for the times that we live in. Venom spat lyrics that are well written and have such disdain for what we call society that you can only agree with them while playing air guitar to these rocking tunes. Victims Of Faith is up there in quality along with recent releases from the likes of WORDS BURN TO DEATH, GASMASK TERROR, old ENT, DISFEAR etc. Great rumbling intros that surge into a full throttle attack. PISSCHRIST can only help you through the rough and tumble that is life and be glad there are bands like this around who see through the lies that those in charge want to throw the wool over your eyes.

YELLOWDOG RECORDS, PO BOX 550208, 10372 BERLIN, GERMANY.

WWW.YELLOWDOG.DE

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Just want to wish anyone reading this a happy new year. Thanks to those who sent stuff for review, much appreciated. Hope those who read this blog enjoy it. Lots more to come in 2009.

All the best for 2009.

Mel
XXX