Primal Agony
http://www.geocities.com/primalagony
December certainly made an impact with their 2002 sophomore effort The Lament Configuration on Earache Records. Not only did the talented Devin Townsend produce the album, but also the Reno (Nevada) four-piece act (Who are vocalist Mark Moots, guitarist Julian Peach, bassist Asa Dakin and drummer Jason Thomas) proved that their particular meld of grindcore and metalcore could push the limitations of both genres somewhere completely new.
The success of The Lament Configuration has obviously prompted fans to check out their back catalogue, which in turn brings us to Earache Records re-released of their 1998 debut Praying, Hoping, Nothing. Although originally released on Negative Attention Records, it was actually Society 1s Matt Zane who eventually signed them to his Inzane Records in order to help spread the name December further some three years ago. Zane released a remastered version of Praying, Hoping, Nothing with some additional tracks, with Earache Records finally seeing that the album gets its first official release outside of the U.S. This all sounds enticing to say the least, but unfortunately, that is as good as it gets in regards to the original album.
For a debut, Praying, Hoping, Nothing isnt a bad release as much as its unremarkable. December pound out ten tracks of stock standard brutality that varies little from track to track. Theres nothing of any real highlights worthy of a mention, making the album somewhat forgettable.
However, the additional three cover versions are a different story. Skunk Anansies Selling Jesus proves that Moots is able to utilize his clean vocal ability within his usual harsh screeching metalcore style, while Death Angels Seemingly Endless Time (Which originally appeared on Blackfish Records thrash tribute compilation Thrash Or Be Thrashed) and Motörheads Ace Of Spades are classics without question. The final track, the title of which is unknown, features some disturbing vocal effects before launching into a hilarious comedy routine (Could this be based on James Browns infamous tirades?) cantered around a band meeting.
Praying, Hoping, Nothing is nothing special by any means, but interesting for the final few tracks. This should be placed under For the die hard fans only! section of the rack.
For more information on December, check out -
http://www.december1.com