Killers Lodge: Unnecessary I

I first heard about Killers Lodge because of my interest in Cadaveria, the Italian death metal band I've followed for the last couple of years and reviewed for this website. I like Cadaveria, but much of the attention goes, understandably, to Cadaveria herself. Even though I never paid much attention to John KillerBob's bass parts specifically, I always admired the rhythm section of that band and figured they were pretty great at what they did.

I was excited to learn (from John himself) that he had another project called Killers Lodge and that the guys were about to release a debut album. Like other trios, Killers Lodge manages to sound as big and as loud as a much larger group. Their music is tight and well-played but undergirding it all is a commitment to cutting loose and playing heavy music. Aside from John KillerBob, the other members include Olly Razorback on guitars and Christo Machete on drums. Razorback and Machete, like KillerBob, have been involved with Cadaveria at one time or another.

One of the first releases of the New Year, this album engages the listener right from the start with its biting and aggressive style. At times, the energy on this album reminded me of the first two Iron Maiden albums crossed with a little bit of Motorhead. Don't get me wrong: this album isn't a tribute to 80s metal, nor is it a derivative labor of love. Instead, it's a fresh take on the fundamentals of heavy metal, a heavy jam session from three guys who love to play and have nothing to prove. Seriously, this is a fun album, full of heavy and driving music, a feast for audiences ready to raise their fists and bang their heads.

Aside from taking on Bass duties, John KillerBob also sings lead vocals. Some listeners may need a couple of listens to get used to his rough and deep singing style. I can't think of a close comparison to his vocal style. He sings clearly but in a very low register. Just imagine a really deep voice singing heavy metal in a thick Italian accent while jamming with a heavy bar band and you'll get the idea.

Interested listeners should definitely check out tracks like "Cosmos," "Ship of Fools," "The Grudge," and "Who We Are." This is a solid debut from a band that knows how to deliver the goods. Fans of big and beefy heavy rock will be pleased.

Track Listing:
1. Cosmos
2. Like a Rock
3. The Grudge
4. Inefficiency
5. New Life
6. Who We Are
7. Land of Doom
8. Ship of Fools
9. Bow and Scrape
10. The Glory of the Pillory

Added: January 8th 2014
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 4141
Language: english

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