One Man Army and the Undead Quartet: Error in Evolution

The "One Man Army" himself, Johan Lindstrand, is back with his "Undead Quartet", on their latest release, Error in Evolution. There are a lot of positives about this album. The musicianship is a step up from the previous release, 21st Century Killing Machine. The band itself is as tight and heavy as ever, at several times during the album reminding the listener of old school Megadeth, and other such classic bands. Thrash riffing and galloping double bass drum beats are the order here. Lindstrand's vocals are deep and growling and fit well with the bands furious attack.

Unfortunately there are some serious negatives, that due to the aforementioned positives, stand out even more so. There are times that the band tries so hard to be "bad ass", or "evil" rather, that it just comes off as completely contrived and ridiculous. On the track "Knights In Satan's Service" the chorus begins with a rousing vocal spelling of, K.I.S.S.... You know, like when you were in grammar school singing, "sitting in a tree, k.i.s.s.i.n.g." And that's just about as corny as it sounds on the record here. If you're going to sing about serving Satan it seems rather inappropriate to start of by singing the spelling of the word kiss. It's safe to say that Emperor Magus Caligula, Nergal, or Glen Benton never sang, or ever will sing, the spelling K.I.S.S. Best leave the hailing of Satan to the big boys. On the track "Such a Sick Boy", one can't help but picture a 14 year old Marilyn Manson standing in front of a mirror, puckering his black lipstick coated lips singing the line, "such a sick boy, walking the streets", and "such a sick boy, shot himself in the head". There is much more of this type of lyric on the album. One bright spot is the cover version of the Alice Cooper song "He's Back (The Man Behind the Mask".

Despite all that, Error in Evolution really isn't horrible. The music, while nothing ground breaking, is driving and well put together. Unfortunately the lyrical content is an absolute spectacle of immaturity. It seems implausible that any real Metal fan would be driving in their car singing anything off this album. Or better yet, singing along at a concert. (Well, maybe a Trivium fan!) It's like riding a moped-it's fun until your friends see you.

TRACK LISTING
1) Mine For the Taking
2) Knights In Satans Service
3) Such a Sick Boy
4) The Supreme Butcher
5) The Sun Never Shines
6) See Them Burn
7) Nightmare In Ashes and Blood
8) He�s Back (The Man Behind The Mask)
9) Heaven Knows No Pain
10) Hail The King

Added: May 11th 2007
Reviewer: Ken Sanford
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 3115
Language: english

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