Album Review
A Wilhelm Scream
Career Suicide (2007)
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
-
Music2 days ago
Paloma Faith Puts on Empowering Performance at York’s Barbican Theatre [Photos]
-
Alternative/Rock5 days ago
Fletcher Encourages Self-Expression at Sold-Out Manchester Victoria Warehouse [Photos]
-
Hip-Hop/Rap1 week ago
Formz: “I was always the confident kid in school, with a passion for entertaining and being the centre of attention..”
-
Alternative/Rock7 days ago
The V13 Fix #013 w/ Six Feet Under, The Day, BlackGold and more
-
Hip-Hop/Rap1 week ago
Ice Cube Discusses His Canadian Tour, Growing Up in South Central, and the Need for Feel-Good Music
-
Music2 days ago
Kaya Hoax Premieres Music Video for Fierce New Single “Kicker”
-
Interviews2 weeks ago
Kill The Lights Michael ‘Moose’ Thomas Talks Success, International Bandmates and more
-
Festival News1 day ago
Damnation Festival Confirm Dragged Into Sunlight Special Performance