Krum BumsFrom Austin, TX these punk rock loving lads have been ripping the underground a new one since their inception back in the dawn of the new millennium. Up until this point, they have released several demos, been on some compilation and appeared on a split with Complete Control, which was also released on TKO.
Thirteen tracks of caustic, apocalyptic punk with influences ranging from D-Beat/82' UK Punk, melodic hardcore and even some thrash. The songs don't follow a simple formula, they mix it up with enough different tempos, sweet little leads and progressions to keep my attention. Usually the songs range in the 2-3 minute mark with no let up. The vocals are one of the best things about this band, they are easily decipherable, sneering, and throaty. They also incorporate various back up vocals that go from typical gang vocals to near singing. Whenever used, they compliment the music.
I enjoyed their previous lyrics but they outdid themselves. I really enjoy how the lyrics have modern pessimistic anger with some medieval elements woven in. I especially liked how they did this in the song "In Sickness We Prevail", and again in "Last Breath". The song "La Plaga" is mostly in either Spanish or Italian, I'm not great at either so you can be the judge.
The first thing that stands out to me is the awesome bass tone which is mixed perfectly with the drums. Second, the vocals sound awesome and compliment the mix perfectly. The drums are solid, the snare has good pop and density and a damn good kick sound. The guitars have good body and distortion, no annoying nuances that stick out.
This one comes in a nice digi-pack, going in similar direction as they did on their split with Complete Control this one features a medieval layout done up in black and white with red accents for things like the title and what have you. The drawing incorporates a viking drakkar ship adorned with a giraffe head on the prow in place of the dragon head. Three of the band members are aboard and sailing away from a town they just ransacked and set ablaze. The booklet is in black and white and completely folds out to display the lyrics nice and big. It was a nice touch how there are closeup images of fleas, which brought the plague over to Europe from the Mongols. The tray art is a ridiculously awesome. It's a black and white drawing of a rat dressed as a jester leading two decaying horses being ridden by skeletons holding banners bearing the symbol of a peace sign with a knife going down the middle.
Rating: 4.5/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: Misery and Losing My Mind
Synopsis: I've been liking this album more and more with each listen. The music is definitely above average for this genre, the lyrics are top shelf and the artwork is awesome, especially if you're like me and like medieval images.