Artist: Kill 2 This
Label: Loudspeaker Records
Release Date: 10/14/03
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Title: mass.[down.]-sin.(drone.) Artist: Kill 2 This Label: Loudspeaker Records Release Date: 10/14/03 |
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Abyss's Review:
I’ve reviewed many bands with stupid names, and I’ve reviewed many albums with stupid names, but this is the biggest one-two punch of stupid names thrown together that I’ve ever witnessed. These guys are from England, so it’s not a result of poor language skills, but more likely the result of the same twisted perception that makes the Brits think Benny Hill is funny. Anyhoo, Kill 2 This is a band that walks a thin line between nu-metal and hard rock that obviously is trying to carve a niche in American radio.
"It is far too hard rock for most metal audiences, and nu-metal audiences probably won’t appreciate its understated groove." The most characteristic part of this album are the clean, melodic vocals that, unlike most radio fodder these days, try to attain a sense of balance with regard to melody. The melodies aren’t syrupy sweet or methodically angry, just observant. The underlying music uses a lot of hard rock stylings that usually break down into nu-metal riffing, and there are hints of older Machine Head and Pantera as well.
The band appears to have hit a home run as far as what they were attempting to achieve, as this record is quite accessible, is easy to listen to, and has a shot at mainstream acceptance. Unfortunately for me, I just don’t dig it that much. It is far too hard rock for most metal audiences, and nu-metal audiences probably won’t appreciate its understated groove. And while this album has its moments, it ultimately leaves me bored after a while. One word review: Eh.
"One word review: Eh."
Death's Review:
I’ve only heard this album, but based on that experience I can report that Kill 2 This pretty much sucks. No, it’s not that they are really all that bad. Rather, it’s just that they are so not that good. A boring borderline nu-metal import from England is not exactly what the U.S. music scene wants, needs or is looking for right now. This is so 2001, even for the kids that would otherwise have been inclined to like something like this back then. And while the vocalist does a decent Robb Flynn impersonation, he ultimately just makes me want to hear Machine Head. In fact, while there are a few new-era Machine Head caliber riffs on this album, there are no Burn My Eyes era Machine Head riffs to be found. Some of the tunes are catchy, but none of them are in any way memorable, if you know what I mean. In short, Kill 2 This are middle of the road, post nu-metallers who emulate “American” bands like Mudvayne, Slipknot, Machine Head and Static-X. They aren’t really offensive or anything but they totally are not my thing.
"Some of the tunes are catchy, but none of them are in any way memorable, if you know what I mean."
Hel's Review:
Kill 2 This comes to us from England with the most ridiculous album title ever. mass.[down.]-sin.(drone.)? I can’t settle on just one witty remark, so I’m not even going to start. Let’s just all agreed that it’s a dumb title, and move on with our review, shall we?
"Would I Kill 2 it? Nah. " From the very first moments, the guitar tone features a distinct nu-metalish flavor. The vocals are oddly compelling, mostly a melodic “clean” style, gruffly delivered. Some nebulous quality of these vocals causes them to stick in my head and repeat endlessly. On paper, heck, let’s refer to the sheet that came with the disc: “Similar artists: Machine Head, Static X, Nothingface, Mudvayne, Mushroomhead” (how is this supposed to make me like them?) - on paper, there’s no reason on the planet why I would like this.
Yet, somehow, I don’t hate it as much as you may expect. I pin this on those vocals, which are of a higher quality than your typical nu-metal inspired band. The music manages to avoid being solidly corralled into the nu label with tracks like “Circles”, which features some serious orchestration and very little guitar at all. The lyrics are occasionally inane, but in some instances are moderately profound. Overall though, it’s the relentless catchiness that makes this album palatable. While the primary theme is never a style I’ll love, the vocals keep my interest enough to prevent me from turning it off. Which is a pretty positive thing. Would I Kill 2 it? Nah. But those who enjoy listening to junk food hard rock as a form of distraction definitely need this album.
"Overall though, it’s the relentless catchiness that makes this album palatable."
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