Artist: Biohazard
Label: Sanctuary Records
Release Date: 9/11/01
Rating: 4 Skulls
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Title: Uncivilization Artist: Biohazard Label: Sanctuary Records Release Date: 9/11/01
Rating: 4 Skulls |
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Reviewed by Musashi (3/27/02):
Biohazard is one of those bands that have been doing NuMetal before it was NuMetal. They were blending their hardcore sound with rap lyrics for fifteen years. A real New York band out of Brooklyn, Biohazard were known for aggressively pushing the envelope and helping to create a New York sound. Biohazard collaborated with Onyx for the Judgment Night soundtrack which was another step in the history of rock rap collaborations starting with Aerosmith and Run DMC and Anthrax and Public Enemy. So here we are in 2002 and some kids have only ever heard Metal with rap vocals and suddenly Biohazard sounds less innovative. Sad.I am a fan of Biohazard for all the wrong reasons. I have never listened to a lot of their music. I like them because they are from New York. I like them because they used to play that hardcore/metal/rap shit before it was popular. I like them because they do Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and like to fight. I like them because I have hung out with them and think they are fun guys. So when I listen to Uncivilization I hear Billy, Evan and Danny and think "those guys are cool." I have to separate myself somewhat and really listen to the music and be more objective. I'm a professional and I can do that, even though it might mean that they will break my arms the next time I see them at Jiu-Jitsu class.
The best thing about Uncivilization is that there are lots of guest artists on the album. Slipknot, Andreas Kisser, Derrick Green, Igor Cavalera, Phil Anselmo, Roger Miret, Sen Dog, Jamie Jasta, Pete Steele, Dianny Diablo, Puerto Rican Mike, DJ Rizz and Tristan Avakian all appear on this album. Maybe this should be called Biohazard and Friends. Perhaps this signals a decision on their part not to try so hard and to have fun with their friends. Perhaps this is just them trying to sell a few more albums by having Slipknot and Phil Anselmo on their album.
"Sellout" is probably the best Biohazard-only song on the album. The other Biohazard-only songs do not really grab me. So I just keep going back and forth between Phil Anselmo on "Hate. Fuck. Fight. Kill." And Slipknot on "Domination" and Sen Dog on "Last Man Standing." I guess having all these other artists on the album is good in my case because I find it breathes new life into each song and keeps it fresh. Without all the guest stars, this album would lose steam quickly.
This is not the most Metal album, but I think that if you are looking for a fun album with a rapmetal flavor, then this is a great pick. It's raw, angry and in your face. Just like Metal from New York should be.
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