Go F*cking Vegan

Reviewed by Nathan Daniel

Artist: DEEZ NUTS
Album: “Bout It”
Label: Century Media
Release-date: April 1st 2013

DEEZ NUTS – Bout It (31:47):
1. Bout It
2. Shot After Shot
3. Not A Face In The Crowd
4. Keep On
5 .Popular Demand
6. Go Fuck Yourself
7. Don`t Act Like You Don`t Already Know
8. What We Eat Don`t Make YOU Shit
9. Call To Arms
10. Streets Are Watching
11. Public Service Announcement
12. Unfuckwithable
13.I.D.K.W.Y.T.Y.A.B.I.K.W.D.G.A.F.A.Y.
14. Life You Live
15. True Colors
16. Band Of Brothers

DeezNuts2012

Australian Hardcore titans DEEZ NUTS drop their 3rd full length album ‘Bout It’ in even bigger and better style than ‘Stay True’ and ‘This One’s For You’. Of course, the partying, sex and drugs are still prominent themes, but the new release brings something a bit deeper and more meaningful, explaining frontman JJ Peter’s extrovert views on life.

‘YOU KNOW WHO THE FUCK IT IS!’ launches opener and album-titled ‘Bout It’ into an explosive start, giving an idea of the band’s mentality from the off. It couldn’t be clearer 3 minutes later that DEEZ NUTS mean business and are not going to take anything lightly, their bullish temperament shining through Peter’s lyrical honesty and Salinger, Rogers and Green’s typically heavy Hardcore sound. Lead single ‘Shot After Shot’ continues the mayhem, with Peters’ vicious rapping and shouting tearing its way through at pace. It’s heavy, but the bouncy melody and simple chorus keep it catchy; definitely one that will stick in your head for a while.

A couple of tracks further in and the record shows no signs of slowing, unrelenting in its theme that DEEZ NUTS are going to do it their way. That ‘way’ more explicitly is that they could not care less about their haters and that they have big plans for the future. In terms of Hardcore at least, they should not be setting their sights on anything less than global success. Proving their ever-growing popularity in the scene and the respect that they have gained from other bands are massive guest appearances from the likes of Hardcore legends HATEBREED, along with SUICIDE SILENCE.

Aside from the lyrics, the technicality of the guitars and pounding drums cannot be ignored – on point throughout, it sounds as crisp and fresh as anybody today. The record is certainly not short of a few gut-wrenching breakdowns either, positive to send crowds in their upcoming European tour into an absolute frenzy.

Huge album closer ‘Band of Brothers’ could not be more anthemic, with the helping hand (more specifically, voice) of ARCHITECTS’ Sam Carter starting it off with a soft verse, backed by some atmospheric acoustic guitar. This then leads into the four piece’s more recognisable gang shouting, adding to the track’s anthemic feeling and giving it a higher octane. The stand out track then closes with a faded-out sing along.

So, 16 tracks and 31 minutes later, ‘Bout It’ begs the question of whether there will be a better Hardcore record this year. DEEZ NUTS are taking the genre by its throat, and this is not a record to be missed. Oh, and in their words… they are “UNFUCKWITHABLE”!

10/10

Reviewed by Nathan Daniel

Artist: Hotel Diablo
Album: The Return To Psycho, California
Label: Scarlet Records
Release Date: 25 September 2012

1. Taken
2. All These Years
3. What You Do To Me
4. Psycho California
5. Bury You
6. Set It Off
7. Wicked Lines
8. Wonderwall
9. Trigger
10. What You Do To Me (ALTERNATE VERSION)
11. Bury You (ALTERNATE VERSION)

Return To Psycho, California is the debut album of recently formed Hotel Diablo, a band that could be somewhat considered a ‘Super group’, comprising of members and ex-members of W.A.S.P, Quiet Riot and Ladyjack. The album receives a finer touch of stature, finding production in acclaimed Producer and ex-Guns ‘N’ Roses Axeman, Gilby Clarke. So, upon taking note of this union of veteran musicians, a very professional and high quality album might be expected.
Taken opens with an exciting, crunching riff before allowing Rick Stitch to begin the showcase of his vocal prowess. The album opener seems impressive, powering through with meaty riffs and the drums to match. The brilliantly executed little solo found towards the end confirms the Hard Rock nature of Hotel Diablo to be found throughout the rest of the album, along with Alex Rossi‘s six-string ability.
Out of “Taken” and into “All These Years“, which begins with a warbling riff that progresses into the main section of the song, as Mike Dupke uses the snare to build momentum into a soaring chorus. Another song down, another emotional story! This then moves into “What You Do To Me“; a song introduced slowly and acoustically – the first ballad of the album. Stitch‘s lyrics talk of how he has succumbed to the pain of past relationship through deep and honest imagery, much like the tone of many other of the front man’s songs.

The self-titled track of the album marks a definite peak in the album as its bouncy riffs carry the song through, demonstrating that these veteran musicians do indeed know what they’re doing, and how to write a pretty good song. Following this is “Bury You“, another ballad-like track with a slow and atmospheric opening that sets the tone for an emotion-rammed and meaningful song.
Next in comes “Set It Off“, further giving substance and hope to the record, as the pulsating opening guitars really do set it off. A slow second verse works its way into yet another momentous chorus accompanied by a winding riff. Tearing, impatient vocals then close what is one of the better songs on the album.
“Wicked Lines” begins, as do my feelings of boredom as it comes to my attention that the diversity so far on this album seems to have been few and far between, and it seems as though all the songs could almost merge into one.
Next in comes a heartfelt cover of “Wonderwall“: opening acoustically, as the guitar goes hand-in-hand, complementing Stitch‘s brilliant vocal range. In further complement, the Oasis song possibly even fits his voice more suitably than it does the Gallagher’s. Despite the over-played, boring nature of the song, Hotel Diablo are not far from bringing it back to life.
Finally is “Trigger“, which proves to show a release of some aggression. But yet again, what strikes me in this song is its similarity to the majority of the rest of the album, following very similar structures to the prior songs. Nevertheless, it is not a bad song, but also importantly, not a brilliant song.

Ending on this point; The Return To Psycho, California, despite demonstrating the talent of several veteran musicians, is not a bad album, but definitely at the same time, not a brilliant album. It may catch a few eyes and ears and sure, it is worth a listen – but ultimately, not the best debut album a band could hope for.

7/10