Driller Killer The 4Q Mangrenade
Osmose Productions OPCD176 January 16th, 2006
By Jason Jordan
The name Driller Killer sounded vaguely familiar to me, but when The 4Q Mangrenade found its way into my hands, I thought I was going to be delving into a nu-metal shitfest. With song titles like 3one6one4, Thefuckhumangrenade, and Dakapokalypse, I figured my conjecture was pretty much foolproof. Well, I was kind of wrong. These guys are, essentially, a hardcore punk outfit. Though theres not a trace of nu-metal to be uncovered, this isnt a style Im all too enthralled with anyway. Certain attributes are well crafted, I think, but filler occupies most of this 37-minute record.
I know Victory Records isnt what it used to be, although I think Driller Killer wouldve fit perfectly back when Victory was still a hardcore label. Nevertheless, the tempos of Jaws, 3one6one4, and Thefuckhumangrenade are unmistakably hardcore punk in nature, and the vocalist practically spits gravel during his deliveries, bringing to mind Blood for Blood. By the time the third song called it a day, however, I was having trouble even feigning interest. Luckily, Dakapokalypse stirs up the pot with its driven pace and energetic musicianship. I must admit that I like all the solos flying every which way, proving that The 4Q Mangrenade is not entirely devoid of skill. Its not cerebral by any measure as if you expected it to be and after Dakapokalypse halts its attack, Driller Killer return to the same formulas they utilized beforehand. Too bad. Today of the Dead uses similar elements, though, and is one of the more enjoyable outings on the whole disc. Sadly, theres no finale as the remainder is just plain formulaic and commonplace.
If youve done the math, then youll know that there are two great songs scattered amongst 10 others. The others, as Ive pointed out not in so many words, arent worth your time. This may be Driller Killers seventh album, but The 4Q Mangrenade has so much working against it that I cant fathom anyone liking it, much less loving it. For now, it seems as if theyre swimming against the tide, and in turn inching closer and closer to their inevitable drowning.
3/10
UMs Review Rating Scale
Official Osmose Productions Website
Osmose Productions OPCD176 January 16th, 2006
By Jason Jordan
The name Driller Killer sounded vaguely familiar to me, but when The 4Q Mangrenade found its way into my hands, I thought I was going to be delving into a nu-metal shitfest. With song titles like 3one6one4, Thefuckhumangrenade, and Dakapokalypse, I figured my conjecture was pretty much foolproof. Well, I was kind of wrong. These guys are, essentially, a hardcore punk outfit. Though theres not a trace of nu-metal to be uncovered, this isnt a style Im all too enthralled with anyway. Certain attributes are well crafted, I think, but filler occupies most of this 37-minute record.
I know Victory Records isnt what it used to be, although I think Driller Killer wouldve fit perfectly back when Victory was still a hardcore label. Nevertheless, the tempos of Jaws, 3one6one4, and Thefuckhumangrenade are unmistakably hardcore punk in nature, and the vocalist practically spits gravel during his deliveries, bringing to mind Blood for Blood. By the time the third song called it a day, however, I was having trouble even feigning interest. Luckily, Dakapokalypse stirs up the pot with its driven pace and energetic musicianship. I must admit that I like all the solos flying every which way, proving that The 4Q Mangrenade is not entirely devoid of skill. Its not cerebral by any measure as if you expected it to be and after Dakapokalypse halts its attack, Driller Killer return to the same formulas they utilized beforehand. Too bad. Today of the Dead uses similar elements, though, and is one of the more enjoyable outings on the whole disc. Sadly, theres no finale as the remainder is just plain formulaic and commonplace.
If youve done the math, then youll know that there are two great songs scattered amongst 10 others. The others, as Ive pointed out not in so many words, arent worth your time. This may be Driller Killers seventh album, but The 4Q Mangrenade has so much working against it that I cant fathom anyone liking it, much less loving it. For now, it seems as if theyre swimming against the tide, and in turn inching closer and closer to their inevitable drowning.
3/10
UMs Review Rating Scale
Official Osmose Productions Website
