The Demo Review:

	There are currently 1 Reviews of this Demo. Average Rating: 3
Band Name: Panic 12:52 Demo Title: Panic 12:52 Band Members: Nik Panic (Vocals), The Beast (Bass), Ajax (Drums), Scott Christ (Guitar) Location:Westmont, IL Email for This Artist Official Web Site for This Artist Discuss on the Metal Judgment Web Board

Musashi's Review:
Do you ever wonder what Poison would sound like if they were trying to play metal today? Listen to Panic 12:52. These guys have all the trappings of your favorite 80s hair bands, but have a new slick hard rock sound that gets all the young kids dancing.
I knew going to Metal Edge's Rock Fest would warp my fragile little mind. Indeed, now when I listen to this demo, all I can think of is Dokken. "Sick & Tired" is the big hit from Panic and it is a quite a catchy number. It is apparently all the rage in Illinois these days. It's a well-written song that has a good pop metal chorus and a solid groove. Seriously, the chorus really reminds me of Dokken. I wish all the voices in my head would stop.
Panic have all the same vocal harmonies that were made popular in the 80s by Poison, Dokken, Winger, et al. I can certainly see that sound making a comeback with bands like Panic leading the way. However, I think names like Nik Panic, The Beast and Ajax are some of the cheesier elements of the 80s that don't need resurrection. Panic have eschewed Aqua-net chic for dirty nu metal filth, but still seem to have that "Don't Need Nuthin' But A Good Time" attitude.
Personally, I am really annoyed by the drums on this demo. Overall, the production is super slick and really excellent. However, I still hear a couple of mistakes in the drums that make me cringe. Quite frankly, I don't think the drummer grooves at all. It sounds to me like he is fighting hard just to keep it together and stay on the beat. Also the drum mix makes me crazy because the stick clicks, hi-hats and cymbals are way louder than the snare and toms. For me, it is all about that kick-snare, one-two punch. If I don't feel it, then hope is lost. I also hope that I just got a poorly burned CD and that the digital clipping that I am hearing is not on the DAT masters.
"Voices" and "Guilt" are both good songs too. These guys have a good sense of catchy pop grooves. Panic 12:52 might not have much appeal to the deep underground metalheads and the fans of brilliant musicians, but Panic has a good chance of mainstream popularity. "Sick Mix" the techno dance remix of "Sick & Tired" obviously shows Panic's desire to be mainstream. I think that with a couple more coats of polish, Panic have excellent chances of selling records and selling out. More power to them. I don't recommend this for our more underground readers, but for those of you that long for a song with a chorus and a catchy melody, give Panic 12:52 a try.

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