Cancer Bats? OK, that's a dumb name for
a band. But don't be fooled--these guys are wolves among
sheep. The Bats are a serious, adrenaline-fueled band
that combines the attitude of hardcore with metal riffs and
southern rock n' roll, creating memorable anthems for all
music fans.
“Hail Destroyer” kicks things off right with lyrics
sounding like the album's anthem. This song, like a few of
their more hardcore-flavored tunes, reminds me of Comeback
Kid. A Misfits vibe is prevalent on “Deathmarch”
with it's '50s-style guitar swagger, while a southern groove
shows up in “Regret,” a song that would fit in
on Corrosion of Conformity's Wiseblood. The same
could be said for “Lucifer's Rocking Chair,” whose
riff sounds like a twisted version of “Shake Like You”
from COC's Deliverance. But the band prides
itself on its influences. Formed in May 2004 by singer
Liam Cormier and guitarist Scott Middleton, the original idea
was to combine sounds from their favorite bands, mainly Refused,
Black Flag, Led Zeppelin and Down. So basically, you've got
hardcore, rock 'n roll and southern rock—that pegs the
sound perfectly. You can hear these influences clearly throughout Hail Destroyer. This album is chock full of grooves,
riffs and rock-solid, rebellious songs. The Bats also crank
out the hardcore and speed up a few notches when it's called
for, though this album doesn't necessarily rely on it. Cormier's
vocals are up front and distinguishable. Whether he's adopting
a slight southern feel to his raspy wail or all-out screaming,
he's always effective. His intensity is powerful and
he often sounds like he's rallying his troops into battle
or, in this case, the mosh pit.
This band sheds all the silliness and tough guy aspects of
typical NYC hardcore metal and lays it all out. Skaters and
metalheads unite. There's something here for all fans of hard
and heavy music. If there's a hardcore punk band that you
need to hear, it's The Cancer Bats--yes, despite the dumb
name. |
