Post by jptheprofessor on Mar 23, 2008 22:21:32 GMT -5
44 MAG – PAST SINS (no label) First formed a decade ago, Williamsport-based heavy metal fivesome 44 Mag unleashes full fury on their third CD, Past Sins. The group dishes out nine assaults of bone-jarring power metal rooted in the thrash/speed traditions of Slayer, Pantera and Exodus. Jesse Roedts’ torrid and concussive drum work leads this band into battle, and sets the pulverizing foundation for Josh Welteroth’s searing guitar leads and Drew Lomison’s jagged buzzsaw riffs; all cemented into a piledriving barrage by Jason Miller’s tightly-wound bass work. Atop this savage backdrop rides the acidic bark of vocalist Chad Warren, as he lyrically dissects dark emotions, sinister personalities, mental turmoil, impending doom and more. Although all nine assaults are aggressive, 44 Mag varies the attack from song to song. The album opener “Devil’s Harvest,” “Last Supper” and “Tearing Within” are go-for-broke rockers; while “Disgust” and “Disfigure” feature melody-geared choruses. On the more brutal side, “Bloodwork” rides along a tricky time signature, “Violent Confrontation” and “I God” demonstrate Slayer-like riffs and speed, while the album closer “Voyer” displays a more Pantera-like dynamic. 44 Mag is constantly on the attack; their velocity, instrumental aggression and vocal intensity keeps things interesting throughout the album. Recorded at Garage Recording in Williamsport and produced by the band and Ben Rosato, Past Sins sounds appropriately sharp and raw; enabling the guitars to bear their teeth, the drums to punish and pummel, and Chad’s rabid ferocity to charge from the speakers. 44 Mag offers convincingly savage and dangerous power metal on Past Sins, and fans of classic thrash and modern aggression should find plenty to cheer about here. (The CD can be purchased from CD Baby, www.cdbaby.com.)