The DestroThese guys are a four piece out of Dallas/Gainesville, TX and have put out two EP's but I'm not sure whether or not it was as The Destro or under their previous moniker, which was pre-2003.
What a horrible name for an album. What, one day at practice while drinking some booze did someone suggest, "Hey, know what would be a good idea? Let's take that old soap-opera, As The World Turns and make it heavy metal, AS THE COIL WINDS!" , "Yeah man, that's heavy!"
Anyway, this album contains 11 songs that typically reach the 4 minute area with the exoception of an instrumental that clocks in close to 10 minutes that to me was a departure from the rest of the album. It's got a sweet mid-paced groove to it and is actually a pretty good listen but as a whole, took away from the flow of the album. But other than that, there are 10 tracks of bludgeoning metal that is heavy and fierce that is obviously trying to capture the attention of Lamb of God/Pantera fans. While the drummer doesn't hold a candle to Chris Adler, he definitely knows how to beat his kit.
I was also glad to hear that throughout the album the vocals maintained a certain consistency, sure they weren't hitting all kinds of ranges but they were hard and didn't resort to any of that corny clean singing bullshit that I absolutely HATE.
The recording is exceptional, I have no idea where it was recorded but I do know it was mastered by Alan Douches, who I swear has mastered 8 out of every 10 CD's that I've gotten lately. But yeah, this thing just sounds massive and thick. The guitar tone packs a hell of punch, the drums kick ass, the bass tone wasn't bad, it thickened up the mix but didn't have much tone. The vocals had good placement, just the right amount of reverb, which always gets a thumbs up from me.
Not into this layout much. It's just a picture of a snake on the front cover with the band logo over top. The booklet itself isn't too spectacular either, a simple three panel fold out with the lyrics to all the songs over another partial snake photo. I would've liked to seen a sweet illustration of a python unwinding itself from it's prey.
Rating: 3.7/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: Beast Burden and Severe The Ties
Synopsis: This is the first release I've heard from Trevor Phipp's label since the Since The Flood album and I must say while it's nothing mind blowing original it is good for what it is. The music keeps it brutal throughout with an above average vocal performance. Aside from the weak layout this is fine release.