Crustacean Insaniac
Cold Blood Industries - CBI 0302 - January 2, 2003
By Adam McAuley
Crustacean are a modern band in the spirit of older groups like Entombed, and particularly Slayer. This is some of the most similar music to classic Slayer you'll find in recent times, but the question is, can the band set themselves apart as a unique entity without sounding like an outright copycat? For the most part the answer is a reluctant yes.
Crustecean employ a deep, grimy sound that definitely makes their name appropriate for their music. Lead vocalist Tom sounds both like the arthropod of the same name and Martin Van Drunen of Pestilence fame. His voice is somewhat buried in the mix, but nonetheless works well with the music. Typical violent and aggressive lyrics are very similar to what you'd find in an album like Reign in Blood. The production is sort of dirty sounding, but pretty strong. Overall, performances are tight, the leads are usually short and abrasive (again, a lot like Slayer's Reign in Blood), and the guitar work is relatively competent.
So, they've established their own sound, but I can't help being a bit let down. Insaniac just lacks the ferocity and energy that made Slayer's best albums so seminal; it sort of drones on a bit towards the middle, and leaves me a bit bored at times. The best tracks are almost all at the beginning of album, and it starts to become apparent part way through that these guys are pushing themselves as far as they could be. It's a pretty decent album overall, but nothing special and will fall a notch below your expectations if you're looking for stellar Slayer clone. Listen with moderate expectations and Insaniac is a mildly enjoyable ride.
7/10
Official Crustacean Website
Official Cold Blood Industries Website
www.crustacean.nl
Cold Blood Industries - CBI 0302 - January 2, 2003
By Adam McAuley
Crustacean are a modern band in the spirit of older groups like Entombed, and particularly Slayer. This is some of the most similar music to classic Slayer you'll find in recent times, but the question is, can the band set themselves apart as a unique entity without sounding like an outright copycat? For the most part the answer is a reluctant yes.
Crustecean employ a deep, grimy sound that definitely makes their name appropriate for their music. Lead vocalist Tom sounds both like the arthropod of the same name and Martin Van Drunen of Pestilence fame. His voice is somewhat buried in the mix, but nonetheless works well with the music. Typical violent and aggressive lyrics are very similar to what you'd find in an album like Reign in Blood. The production is sort of dirty sounding, but pretty strong. Overall, performances are tight, the leads are usually short and abrasive (again, a lot like Slayer's Reign in Blood), and the guitar work is relatively competent.
So, they've established their own sound, but I can't help being a bit let down. Insaniac just lacks the ferocity and energy that made Slayer's best albums so seminal; it sort of drones on a bit towards the middle, and leaves me a bit bored at times. The best tracks are almost all at the beginning of album, and it starts to become apparent part way through that these guys are pushing themselves as far as they could be. It's a pretty decent album overall, but nothing special and will fall a notch below your expectations if you're looking for stellar Slayer clone. Listen with moderate expectations and Insaniac is a mildly enjoyable ride.
7/10
Official Crustacean Website
Official Cold Blood Industries Website
www.crustacean.nl
