A Wilhelm Scream

Yes, the album title is ironic. With their third Nitro LP, A Wilhelm Scream have affirmed their deserved spot as one of the most consistent and important punk bands in the game—the word “punk” being imperative in keeping this statement valid. The band is up to the same old tricks of metal-tinged guitar leads, fast, aggressive drumming, and vocals with the urgency of an ambulance siren slicing through downtown traffic.

As with any music that holds attitude and importance above all else, lyrics, at times, become the focal point. What’s admirable on Career Suicide is the balance the band strikes between serious lyrics rich in social commentary, over-indulgence, and abrasiveness. The result is a record much like the first two Rise Against LPs; the music and lyrics mesh well to relay a sense of anger and injustice to the listener.

Musically, the band rides a similar pony to that featured on Mute Print and Ruiner, but, frankly, that’s just fine with me. They keep it fresh by paying close attention to dynamics; a strong point for Wilhelm, as well as any other band that successfully turns simple 2/2 thrash-fests into inviting and appealing music.

All Suicide tracks transfer well to a live setting, which is partially why I enjoyed it. With such charged and self-sufficient tracks, the arrangement of the whole really plays second fiddle to the character of its parts, which, again, works for Wilhelm. The sense of keeping true to the music and not bothering with external influences keeps it fresh and raw like a blue-centred T-bone.

If you’re already a fan, stay excited. If you’re not, you might as well burn your cash, because it would just be wasted on any other punk band.  [ END ]

Track Listing:

01. I Wipe My Ass With Showbiz
02. 5 to 9
03. The Horse
04. Die While We’re Young
05. Jaws 3, People 0
06. Career Suicide
07. These Dead Streets
08. Get Mad, You Son of a Bitch!
09. Our Ghosts (contemporary/consensual)
10. Cold Slither II
11. Pardon Me, Thanks a Lot
12. Check Request Denied
13. We Built This City! (On Debts and Booze)

Run Time: 45:36