VaccZine #7: Can I Pet Your Band?
Dogs, Replicant, Sevendust
On the third episode of the Plague Rages Podcast, Seputus singer Doug Moore said, “It’s pretty clear that cats are the black metal animal and dogs are the death metal animal, right?” No one disagreed. Regretfully, the needed follow-up went unasked: Ah, but which dog breeds match which metal subgenres?
There’s an easy way to figure this out. The American Kennel Club, flexing some degree of canine telepathy that is in no way anthropomorphism, lists three general traits as the subhead for each breed. A Labrador retriever, AKC’s most popular breed since at least 2013, is said to be “friendly, active, outgoing.” If AKC’s traits are considered universal, in that everyone mostly agrees with the blanket statement that an average Lab is friendly and has hideously bad-smelling farts, all we need to do is supply a knowledgeable breeder with the traits of metal subgenres and let them run wild making connections.
Unbelievably, because no breeder responded to emails sent by one Wolf Rambatz and/or didn’t want the massive popularity/legitimacy bump provided by the 349th best metal podcast and newsletter (claim unproven), I was instead forced to rely on a different type of highly accurate science: an online dog breed selector quiz.
For this extremely in-depth and serious exercise, I’ll be using Orvis.com’s 13-question Dog Breed Selector. In order for the Dog Breed Selector to work for my purposes, I’ll have to translate and retune all of the questions to metal-specific queries.
What Activities Do You Want to Do With Your Dog?
A fine question if you’re searching for a dog, but an odd one if you’re trying to match a dog to a metal subgenre. Instead of dog-centric activities, I’ll think of this section as “what activities might a stereotypical fan of a metal subgenre enjoy based on the lyrical themes of the aforementioned metal subgenre?” For instance, a self-serious death metal fan would probably enjoy “hunting,” “running,” and “other,” but probably not “cuddling.”Have You Owned a Dog Before?
I’ll change this one to “how easy is it for longtime fans to onboard new listeners to their favored metal subgenre?” As an example, brutal death metal fans would choose “I don’t mind a challenge” because no loved one or friend in their lives will ever willingly listen to brutal death metal. (Sigh.)What Type of Exercise Can You Provide For Your Dog?
“How active and long is the typical song in your metal subgenre?” A doom album is a “daily hike.”Who Is In Your Household?
“What age ranges make up the typical demographics of your metal subgenre?” Trad, as one of the foremost dad-metal genres, is “seniors” only.Do You Have Other Pets?
“What other subgenres is your subgenre typically combined with?” “Large dog(s)” equals death metal, doom, and any other heavier riff metal variant. “Small dog(s)” equals power metal, trad, and anything that would headline Wacken. “Cat(s)” equals black metal. “Other small animal(s)” equals any non-metal genre. “Farm animals” is pornogrind.Do You Mind a Dog That Sheds?
“Do you mind if bands in your metal subgenre break up often?” Grind should answer “include all dogs” because grind bands tend to break up before they even form.How Often Would You Be Willing to Groom Your Dog?
“How often do bands in your metal subgenre play shows?” Toughguy metalcore bands should choose “every day” since I’ve somehow seen every one in my local area without even going to shows.What Size Do You Want Your Dog to Be?
“How heavy are the riffs in your metal subgenre?” Anything like Ghost would be “toy.” Anything with slams would be “huge,” naturally.Where Will Your Dog Spend Most of its Time?
“How adventurous is your metal subgenre?” While you’d think technical death metal would be “acres of land,” it is typically “inside the house,” because it’s often trapped in 1993.What Does Your Daily Schedule Look Like?
“How fairweather is the typical fan in your metal subgenre?” While we’ve no doubt effectively translated all other questions (*cough*), this is the biggest stretch. Think of this in terms of how likely a stereotypical fan would only listen to that particular subgenre.What Climate Do You Live In?
“What is the cheese level in your metal subgenre?” “Dry” is the lowest amount of cheese. “100-degree summer” is the highest.How Do You Want Your Dog to Respond to New Things?
“How does your metal subgenre respond to new things?” Most metal subgenres worth their elitist salt will choose “suspicion.”Do You Have Neighbors?
“How popular is your metal subgenre?” Borderline answers can be pushed in either direction by adding this modification: “How big of an asshole is the typical fan of your metal subgenre?” Both translations are self-explanatory.
Alright. Let’s find some dogs.
Thrash
Orvis Selection: Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Bred to be the perfect gundog, the versatile Wirehaired Pointing Griffon excels in the field but also makes an intelligent, loving companion. They are easy to train and eager to please, with an affectionate and occasionally mischievous nature. This driven breed needs plenty of activity, but isn't demanding if provided enough exercise. The Griffon may be a suitable match for first-time dog owners with an active lifestyle — but exercise, training, and socialization must be prioritized to result in a well-adjusted dog.
I say: Thrash is the most Labrador-ass metal subgenre possible, so I can’t believe that’s not the pick. On the other hand, the griffon’s coat looks like everyone’s hair in Agent Steel circa 1985 so maybe Orvis is on to something.
Prog
Orvis Selection: Basenji
The 'Barkless Dog,' the Basenji, is a sighthound from West Africa and is likely one of the oldest domesticated breeds. His intelligence is equally matched by his drive and energy — and stubbornness. And though he does not bark, he does vocalize with yodels, howls, and, occasionally, screams.
This breed is not an ideal choice for a first-time dog owner — the Basenji presents a challenging temperament for people who lack experience with dogs. While intelligent and able to learn commands easily, this stubborn dog prefers to make his own decisions in everything from when and where to sit to what's considered appropriate as a toy. The tenacious, counter-surfing, escape artist is also a lovable, playful companion for those who want to put the effort into training such a strong-willed breed — a sense of humor is absolutely necessary.
I say: Everything down to the vox is perfect. Dream Theater, you’re a goddamn basenji. On a looks basis, though, I think the prog dog is a barbet, the most guitar-teacher-going-through-a-divorce looking dog.
Trad
Orvis Selection: Keeshond
The Keeshond's earliest roots are unclear, though the breed is known to be related to the spitz dog group that migrated south from the Arctic with ancient nomads. By the 18th century, the Keeshond was working as a watchdog on barge boats on the Rhine River in Holland. The Keeshond is a striking breed with a thick coat of black, gray, and cream fur, a pronounced mane and chest ruff, and a fox-like face. Keeshonden make wonderful companion dogs — loving, loyal, playful, intelligent, and respectful towards strangers. They are so devoted to their families that they won't tolerate spending time away from them and will demand constant company. Without attention and activity, Keeshonden are prone to separation anxiety and problem behaviors such as excessive barking and chewing. When they get enough exercise and company, they are laid-back and fun-loving dogs.
I say: I’ve met at least 30 people at shows who might’ve actually been a keeshond in a battle vest that tried to get me into pre-’80s Scorpions.
Power Metal
Orvis Selection: Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a friendly, people-oriented breed developed in Ireland as an all-purpose farm and hunting dog. Though they do exhibit plenty of terrier traits such as a high prey drive, barking, or bossy and impulsive behaviors, they aren't your typical terrier. Wheatens are friendly, affectionate, loving dogs who are thrilled to spend time with anyone willing to pet them. They are intelligent, yet headstrong. The Wheaten Terrier is in perpetual play mode and has plenty of energy to burn, and often makes a great match for a family.
I say: I think a wheaten would be a good match for American power metal. The dog pictured above has devastating Jag Panzer takes. Bet on it. However, European power metal is straight poodle. Who are we even kidding.
Death Metal
Orvis Selection: Vizsla
The Vizsla is a virtuoso dog who excels on the hunt as both a pointer and retriever. This powerful, rust-colored breed is also a skilled athlete and search and rescue dog. Vizslas have energy to spare and need owners who have the time and stamina to meet their high requirements for exercise, play, and mental stimulation. As long as they are kept active, Vizslas make wonderful, loving companions for singles, couples, or families. Though gentle and affectionate, one Vizsla may be shy with strangers, while another is gregarious.
I say: I feel weird about death metal being a shorthair breed, but I recognize that no one is going to be happy here. Death metal fans probably self-identify as Cujo despite a lot of the style being a golden retriever. In its favor, I will say that if you put a vizsla in an Angelcorpse shirt, it has definitely spilled beer on me while pushing towards the stage to support a local opener.
Melodeath
Orvis Selection: English Cocker Spaniel
The affectionate English Cocker Spaniel is a merry companion with an inquisitive nature. The energetic breed is at home in the field but also enjoys spending time curled up in a big armchair — as long as there are people nearby. They can be demanding of attention, but their lively, playful way is enough to win over anyone in the room. Biddable, yet sensitive, the English Cocker Spaniel learns quickly when gentle, positive training methods are practiced. Favored as a sporting dog and made popular by celebrities, including George Clooney and Oprah Winfrey, the English Cocker Spaniel endures as a lovable companion.
I say: I love these dogs to death. Few dogs have a more pleasing paw-size-to-body ratio. (Nature’s lowriders, basset hounds, are a close second.) And while you might be able to equate that paw-ness to sick leads, I am offended that English cocker spaniels are the result for the mostly cheeseball melodeath. Soilwork gives me poser French bulldog vibes. Leave my cocker spaniels alone.
Nu-metal
Orvis Selection: Coton de Tuléar
The Coton de Tuléar is a people-oriented small breed dog with a goofy nature. They're an adaptable little dog that does well in most situations. Cotons love to show off and perform, can be boisterous and energetic, but are not demanding — their favorite activity is just to be near you. The charming Coton has a mysterious history and is known as the Royal Dog of Madagascar due to the nobility's affinity for the plucky pet. This lively little dog has a distinctive cotton-like coat, which is where its name came from — Coton from French, meaning cotton, and de Tuléar meaning from Tuléar, a city in Madagascar now called Toliara.
I say: Watch this Coton de Tuléar jump while I get loose. Nah, this isn’t it. Apologies to pug owners, but that’s the true nu-metal dog. A Chihuahua in a spiked collar is also an appropriate answer.
Grind
Orvis Selection: Pointer (German Wirehaired)
Closely related to the German Shorthair Pointer, the German Wirehaired Pointer has wiry hair and a sturdier build. His bristly coat protects him from brambles and thorny underbrush, and also resists weather and repels water — perfect for a sporting dog. The GWP was bred to be a versatile hunting dog with the qualities of a loving, devoted companion animal. He hunts and retrieves admirably and is well suited to a variety of hunting styles and terrain. This is a dog that needs a job — any job — or he will find his own. The loyal German Wirehaired Pointer loves spending as much time with his family — including children — as possible, and would be a wonderful fit for a household with an active lifestyle.
I say: As you can tell, the big problem with this matching exercise is that no dog breed selector is going to be like, “Hm, yes, let’s return a dog that no one but an extremely small group of demented idiots can tolerate.” The German wirehaired pointer is an awesome dog, but it’s not a dog that’s going to headline Obscene Extreme, you know? That would be, like, a free-pissing pound beagle nicknamed Doris, Destroyer of Door Frames or something. Still, there are probably affenpinschers out there with Nasum-grind bands. What do I know.
Doom
Orvis Selection: Weimaraner
The regal Weimaraner was bred as a hunting companion for gentlemen who wanted a companionable sporting dog. The energetic breed is always happy to take to the trail or the field, and any chance to run is gladly accepted. This majestic breed has a striking silver-grey coat and remarkable eye color. As a large, spirited dog, the Weimaraner is happiest when both body and mind have enough stimulation. People with an active lifestyle are the best match for the lively Weim. This prized breed was difficult to find outside of Germany until the 1920s, but is now one of the most popular breeds in America due to its loving nature.
I say: “…the weimaraner is happiest when both body and mind have enough stimulation,” you say? *various bong noises*
Gothic Metal
Orvis Selection: Lhasa Apso
Though little, the Lhasa Apso has a mighty personality and a dramatic, lion-like coat. This is a fiercely independent breed developed in Tibet to act as a sentinel for nobles and monks. Watchful and with a keen sense of hearing, Lhasas will bark to alert the household to the arrival of friends or foes. Lhasa Apsos are highly protective of their people and make a loving and loyal family dog. The Lhasa is not, however, an easy-care dog. This breed likes to be in charge, which makes firm, consistent training early in life important so it's easy to live with your Lhasa. Caring for the Lhasa's dense, long coat takes time, to sustain its beauty and keep it free from knots. When well trained, Lhasa Apsos make playful and affectionate companions.
I say: I mean, look at it.
Slam
Orvis Selection: Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog is a shag carpet of a canine — warm, easygoing, and attention grabbing. The breed inspired Disney's Shaggy Dog movies and has featured in scores of other films and TV shows. The OES's most distinguishing feature is her abundant, shaggy coat that hangs over the eyes. Their original job was cattle herding in England, but they have developed into companion dogs beloved for their friendly, often silly personalities. They are laid back dogs to live with and good-natured with strangers. They are high-maintenance only when it comes to their coat, which must be combed out every day or so to prevent matting.
I say: If it drinks Olde English, then we have a match. (Don’t give your dog malt liquor.) While a sheepdog is the quintessential stoner dog for obvious looks reasons, there is something that feels so right about the faithful pup in For Better or For Worse being a secret sick fuck.
NEW ARRIVALS
SPOTLIGHT
Replicant - Malignant Reality (Transcending Obscurity Records)
Cover art by Alli Tuttle
Transcending Obscurity, you can take or leave this, but here's my suggestion for the sticker: Disembodied for people who like Gorguts. Replicant’s second full-length, Malignant Reality, is packed with squelchy, dissonant squalls and Big Steeve vocals. But it’s also boasting supremely mosh-ready grooves. Like how Disembodied was informed by Suffocation, Replicant seems to take a page from the aforementioned Quebec mind-expanders. That said, despite all of the experimentalism, the primary goal is for you to spend the rest of the night searching for your teeth in a mosh pit.
The New Jersey trio has been hinting at this groovier end-game for a few releases now, really slathering on the ‘shuggah-era A Life Once Lost on 2019’s Hypochondria of the Machine and easily winning the three-way split Chasm of Aeons in 2020 by doing the same. But, of course, EPs and splits are one thing. Does this strain of furious beatdown stay engaging across a 48-minute full length? Well, yes. The reason it works is thanks to a keen bit of pacing.
The first half of Malignant Reality calibrates your brain. It juds your melon through repetition so you’re extra receptive to juds. Tracks like “Excess Womb” have a sort of Blood Has Been Shed gone tech death energy, but the focus is on the thud. The back half of Malignant Reality, freed up to crush, just straight crushes. Tracks get extra wild, like how a well-constructed DJ set builds up to the magic hour. “Dressed in Violence” is going to be a monster that becomes synonymous with a maximum-output live show ass kicking, the album's “Anvil Chandelier,” in other words. This won’t be for everyone — it’s going to befuddle OSDM cavern dwellers, that’s for sure — but for anyone who channels pent-up aggression through a good groove, Malignant Reality is going to be better therapy than BetterHelp.
HIGHLIGHTS
Anatomia - Corporeal Torment (Me Saco un Ojo Records / Dark Descent Records / Noxious Ruin)
Think if Coffins doubled down on Autopsy slow parts. That’s not quite Corporeal Torment, this Japanese duo’s fourth full-length released in between a never-ending torrent of splits, but it’s a comparison that’ll get you close. Likewise, while Anatomia doesn’t share the same sonic or compositional makeup, I couldn’t stop thinking of Winter as these four tracks, including a 21-minute closer, trudged along miserably in an all-gray way. This is gloriously austere, unadorned death/doom, nearly unique among its modern peers due to the lack of concessions it’s willing to make. If you need gothy lushness in your slow stuff, it ain’t here. This is nasty, ugly, and uncompromisingly brutal. The highlight is the aforementioned closer, “Mortem,” a funeral-paced droner that is swathed in a suffocating atmosphere. Feels like bleeding out in the middle of nowhere.
Asphyxiate - Altar of Decomposed (New Standard Elite)
I have listened to Altar of Decomposed a bunch. It has taken me forever to blurb it because I keep thinking, There has to be some more intelligent reason to explain why I like this. Nope, not really. This long-running Indonesian BDM band plays like a top-tier Indonesian BDM band. That’s kinda it. One of the key traits of the better brutalizers from Indonesia is their ability to slam without sounding clown. Not an easy task as you’re naturally inviting a nu-ish shockwave bounce whenever you drop the groove bomb. And while my clown tolerance is regretfully pretty high just by dint of when I grew up, it’s refreshing to hear bands that don’t sell out for cheap thrills. Asphyxiate reminds me of Disgorge (US) in that respect, classic BDM that’s often cited but rarely duplicated due to that influential band’s interest in keeping things pretty dry. tl;dr: Asphyxiate churns through juds real good, no clown guilt.
Graveolence - Anthropomancy (Transylvanian Tapes)
Like the Asphyxiate above, Anthropomancy is difficult to explain to other people why it captures your attention. It doesn’t excel, but it’s solid. Really solid. It’s really solid grinding death metal that sits at the intersection of OSDM, Swedeath, and more orthodox high/low vox grind. For instance, the blast section at 1:30 on “Consume Cancerous Flesh” is super legit, which isn’t something you can say about a lot of OSDM-leaning acts. I’d expect this Canadian trio to get called up to 20 Buck Spin at some point. My powers of prognostication are obviously famously bad (again, sorry Relic Point for ruining your career), but that seems like a safe bet.
Helloween - Helloween (Victor / Nuclear Blast)
Pretty good? Apologies to my podcast partner, but I’m not the biggest Helloween person on the planet. Still, credit where credit is due. And, gotta admit, while there are no duds in the tracklist, nothing comes close to the beautiful batshittery of “Skyfall.” A true multi-part epic destined to be a live set staple, one befitting a band with more than a handful of show-ending, multi-part epics. It’s like Helloween knew it had to deliver at least one and it went extra hard midwifing this one. To that end, everyone feels especially caffeinated on “Skyfall.” Like, some of the nimble interplay between bassist Markus Grosskopf and drummer Dani Löble isn’t fair for a band that's almost 40. And...man...the lyrics. “I fell from the sky, so don't ask me why I'm feeling so down/ attacked, shot down and wrecked/ there's no turning back to find my way home.” Wow. Heartstrings tugged. Maybe we need to raid Area 51 again. Seriously though, opener “Out for the Glory” is the other high highlight if you want to cut this down to a lunch break. Just your usual speedy power metal band with three guitarists and three vocalists. Your move, Blind Guardian.
In Asymmetry - Ashes of Dead Worlds (Comatose Music)
Not usually a fan of Cesca bands since they always seem to put an extra slice of cheese on the BDM/tech burger. In Asymmetry, though, rips, mostly because it stays focused on ripping instead of farting around with lame deathcore/prog parts. (We’ll forgive the brief lapses into impress-Neely forays like on “Forged by the Ancient Entity” because they never rise to Cattle Decap levels of cringe.) Shout out to Victor Araneda, also of Esophagus, who has riffs for days...or, at least, this extremely tight 34-minute runtime. Nothing gets too stale because Araneda never stays moored to one idea very long. Of course, the surrounding players are no slouches. Cesca’s drumming is as athletic as ever. Darren Joy’s bass and NS stick matches him without resorting to Seinfeld widdles. Taylor Wientjes stays in his lane with a burly growl. A lot of this reminds me of an upgraded version of early Decrepit Birth before that band turned into methhead Death. Modern Deeds of Flesh is also a comp, fitting because Ashes of Dead Worlds closes with a cover of “Sense of the Diabolic.” But, In Asymmetry’s best quality is the inexhaustibility of its commitment to going. It does indeed go. Great debut.
Knoll - Interstice (Sludgelord Records)
Better late than never? Took a bit for this to click because I was listening to it wrong. At first spin, Knoll seems like the typical replacement-level death/grind band you can push to the background and enjoy mostly as unceasing blasting noise. It’s way more diverse than that. That’s not to say Knoll isn’t eternally all up in your grill. I don’t think there’s a second of Interstice, the Memphis quintet's debut full-length, that isn’t assaulting your eardrums. Every sound on here is searing. The dynamics, then, are less about loud/quiet and more about space and pacing, like how the band will go from charred blasts to tech and then long, stretched out riffs. All of that requires a close listen to really appreciate. As such, I find this way more interesting than Full of Hell, which M-A has listed as its lone similar artist. This is more like...if Iron Lung turned into Misery Index? Anyway, worth the hype. Points for ending the record with the same sound that began it thus turning replays into a cohesive whole.
Miserable Creature - Miserable Creature 2 (Transylvanian Tapes)
If Undergang could only barf out thrash timbres, that’s this Aussie duo. I could write something more irritatingly elaborate and metaltxt-baiting like, “Imagine the disgusting offspring conceived by the twisted carnal congress of Accidental Suicide and early Celtic Frost,” but that seems overboard for two bros who are having a blast bashing out beer-soaked, ancient death metal. Miserable Creature is a band you know you’re going to back as soon as you hear the first real riff. That one riff is all kinds of idiot Tom G. Warrior groove and practice-room Autopsy gunk. Hell yeah. Put me in, coach.
Theurgy - Demo 2021 (New Standard Elite)
Absurdly promising. “Archetype” is the kind of tech I look for: brutal as hell with some light widdles for flavor. The second track, “The Occult Science,” is like if Artificial Brain sucked out the space and went full-BDM. The riff-churn on that is next level. LP, please.
Ungraven / Slomatics - Split (Black Bow Records)
Ungraven’s side reminds me of where Slomatics used to be. Heavy-as-heck sludge wums that are nearly beatdown-esque in their desire to batter. It hits my ears better than Conan, Jon Davis's more famous pursuit. And I’m pretty tickled that Ungraven now includes the bassist from Fudge Tunnel. Anyway, “Defeat the Object,” is very good even if it’s only, like, three sections stretched out to five minutes. The other tracks are fine, but don't find the same balance between ball-crushing heaviosity and catchiness. Slomatics’s side is pretty much what we’ve come to expect since Estron, taking that thick sludge/doom style and pushing it further into psych, space, and prog. Its three tracks are pretty cohesive, feeling more like a whole than most sides of splits often do. It culminates in “Monitors,” which is the best Yob song I've heard in a spell. As someone in the Bandcamp comments wrote, you usually don’t get two split sides that are this complementary. It’s almost like hearing one band getting more progressive over the course of a career. Now, if Slomatics wants to buddy up with Demonic Death Judge while the two push each other towards nerd glory, I’m all for that, too.
Urthshroud - Eternal Forecast of Sorrow (Död Groda)
Not to out myself as a total meathead, but I actually listened to this while lifting and...it worked? Something about the ever-present pulse made it pleasant for squats. Anyway. Colin Marston’s DSBM thing. Is it weird? It’s weird. Is it good? It’s good. While the spate of downer arpeggio weepers from last decade are probably the biggest influence (Xasthur, etc.), Eternal Forecast of Sorrow (really) also has a fuzzy film of bizarro growing all over it, not unlike...I don't know...Timeless Necrotears? It’s a neat mix, subtly experimental without losing what makes bedroom black metal appealing. Judging by the runtimes, with the shortest track being a relatively thrifty 19 minutes, you’d think this would be an endless slog of hypnotic, synth-heavy misery. But, each song is actually kinda epic in construction, containing multiple parts that are, gasp, diverse! Seriously! “Miserable Legacy” has a section that’s near-jangle. (Although, gotta say, the vocals often sound like Luigi falling off of something.) Marston didn’t have to go this hard but he did, which is probably the best way to sum up his career. Also, try deadlifting to it? I swear there’s something there.
FROM THE VAULTS
Sevendust - Blood & Stone (2020)
Sevendust is an anomaly. The Atlanta quintet has been around for nearly 30 years. It has one ex-member, Sonny Mayo, who played rhythm guitar for three years in the 2000s while longtime member Clint Lowery was briefly out of the group. And, of all the nu-ish bands that scratched turntables and banged kegs in the wake of the first wave of rap metal like Downset and Stuck Mojo, Sevendust is by far the least embarrassing. While it might crush my cred, I listened to 1999’s Home the other day and thought, You know what? This still goes. I mean, what other band of this ilk even comes close? Nothingface? Have you listened to Nothingface recently?
Anyway, despite being the best nu-metal band in my estimation, that doesn’t mean I’ve kept listening to Sevendust. I dropped off after Animosity as my tastes started to develop and I got way more self-conscious. (For teens and 20-somethings currently stuck in the throes of “is this cool?????,” know that brainworm dies a quick death in your late 30s when you come to terms with your irrepressible youness. See, this very blurb.) On a whim, I decided to check in on Blood & Stone, the 13th full-length of Sevendust’s career, goaded by nostalgic curiosity. And, you know what? Still goes.
Blood & Stone’s 13 tracks are equally balanced between heartfelt stadium anthems and blunt staccato chuggers. The former are decent, though they often sound like the score to a human-interest piece about a nose tackle’s comeback. Needless to say, I favor the latter. The lead single “Dying to Live”’s verses, with its math-adjacent rumbles, is better crafted than most of Sumerian Records’s weakling output. But, I gotta say, even though my preference is jud, some of the more youth-pastor hooks still get me.
“Kill Me” unifies both sides of modern Sevendust. Its chorus is a Lajon Witherspoon specialty, an offered hand to help you up. (It helps that Witherspoon, unlike so many bands in this and the Killswitch Engage side of metalcore, can actually sing.) While slightly emotionally manipulative, that kind of BIG FEELS CHORUS just works. The Chris Cornell tribute, a cover of “The Day I Tried to Live,” is moving because of it, even though the original has far more bite. This rendition survives, though, because it sounds comfortably Sevendust. And that makes sense. Sevendust has spent decades now in and out of the spotlight figuring out how to be Sevendust. Surprise, it’s pretty darn good at it.
Sevendust is one of those bands that you think is bigger than it actually is. Its first three LPs went gold. It has put four songs into the top 10 of the US Mainstream Rock charts. It has 1,014,585 monthly listeners on Spotify, with its most popular song, “Denial,” clearing 30 million plays. But it also has an Iron Maiden Number of -63, which is a smidge above Devin Townsend and a smidge below Dimmu Borgir. Sevendust seems chronically underappreciated for a band that has done it surprisingly well for a surprisingly long time. For that reason, I don’t think of it as a guilty pleasure anymore. It’s a good thing that’s good. Heck, for mainstream radio rock, it’s hard to think of an active band that’s better. I don’t know who needs to read this, but here’s my pitch: Probably the best modern “normal” thing I’ve heard since Ignite’s peerless Our Darkest Days.
BUT I GOT ONE THING LEFT TO SAY
My experiment to build an audience without social media has failed. I am back on Twitter. Pray for me. I tried so hard and got so far, but in the end I need Twitter to build an audience. Follow us @wrambatz.
I’m starting to put together full-track Spotify playlists for all of the podcast episodes. You can find Episode #4’s playlist here.
So, the podcast is finally up on Apple. It is not up on Spotify. I’m trying to figure that one out.
I promised you a Middle of the Year podcast. It’s August. I know. I’m working on it.
I also talked about doing a radio show-esque playlist pod. I don’t know if that’s happening or not. I got super busy with work. I will, however, put together a playlist of mostly non-metal stuff for interested parties. It’s called Lupine’s Lament. You can find the work-in-progress for August here.
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