Environmental Environmental
Environmental Inc. enviro5 8th November 2001
By Russell Garwood
Environmental - formerly known as Environmental Hazard - hail from Cleveland, and play heavier-than-usual, eclectic, nu-metal; there are emo and hardcore influences in their sound, and parallels can be drawn with Korn, Pantera, S.O.A.D., The Deftones, and Fear Factory. The band consists of Nathan Glozer whose vocals, while usually shouted, range from whispering, through rapping to singing, Jason Kolo often makes the bass more than just a supporting instrument, and competent drummer John Justice. Guitar duties are handled by Chris Faiken (lead) and Andy Vasas (rhythm) the other musicians keep up well with start/stop riffing and syncopated nu-metal style bar chords.
Standouts include the catchy Fire Shut Up In My Bones, a more melodic song Nailbleed (Burning At Both Ends), and the heavier, more experimental Beaten Down To Size. The production on Environmental is excellent all instruments are clear and well balanced. My only major complaint is that despite its eclecticism, in many sections the music can feel samey - the body of each track follows a similar formula. This is not necessarily a problem, however (its just not to my taste), and the band should be given credit for adding variety and extremity to a genre otherwise lacking. Definitely an album for people in search of heavier nu-metal..
Environmental Inc. enviro5 8th November 2001
By Russell Garwood
Environmental - formerly known as Environmental Hazard - hail from Cleveland, and play heavier-than-usual, eclectic, nu-metal; there are emo and hardcore influences in their sound, and parallels can be drawn with Korn, Pantera, S.O.A.D., The Deftones, and Fear Factory. The band consists of Nathan Glozer whose vocals, while usually shouted, range from whispering, through rapping to singing, Jason Kolo often makes the bass more than just a supporting instrument, and competent drummer John Justice. Guitar duties are handled by Chris Faiken (lead) and Andy Vasas (rhythm) the other musicians keep up well with start/stop riffing and syncopated nu-metal style bar chords.
Standouts include the catchy Fire Shut Up In My Bones, a more melodic song Nailbleed (Burning At Both Ends), and the heavier, more experimental Beaten Down To Size. The production on Environmental is excellent all instruments are clear and well balanced. My only major complaint is that despite its eclecticism, in many sections the music can feel samey - the body of each track follows a similar formula. This is not necessarily a problem, however (its just not to my taste), and the band should be given credit for adding variety and extremity to a genre otherwise lacking. Definitely an album for people in search of heavier nu-metal..
