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Laaz Rockit are a thrash metal band, which formed in California in the early eighties. Thrash metal is not the genre of my choice, but it would be churlish to deny the energy and power on display here. You're not in the market for tunes that linger in your head for days, but if you want a vent for your anger then Laaz Rockit are your men. This is the band's first album for 15 years; they've obviously been in denial of their feelings, judging by this outpouring. "Brain Wash" features the type of guitar soloing that has me wondering about whether the bathroom need re-grouting, but elsewhere it has a heavy Faith-No-More-ish bass and a reasonably catchy melody line. "Delirium Void" features drill-like sounding drums, which feel as if they tether the song in place. The song only takes flight when we are offered respite from this style of playing. There's a lurching rhythm to "Erased", which Metallica would enjoy. The song ends suddenly with an explosive sound.
"My Euphoria" is more of the same, with added spooky growls. Thankfully "Ghost In The Mirror" changes the template. It's a rock ballad, with an echoing guitar and the vocals that are thoughtful and flanged. It's the most interesting thing on the album; mind you I've always preferred a caress to a pummelling. The song gathers pace and volume as it progresses, which is disappointing, if not surprising. "Turmoil" sees the band adopt their more usual energetic pace. In the days when I was angry, rather than sad, this sort of thing might have been a rallying cry to me. These days it just makes me feel tired. Around the three minute mark the rhythm gets interesting, sadly the guitar solo less so. This isn't a criticism of Laaz Rockit in particular, I know this sort of showmanship features in many bands of this type. During "Liar" Laaz Rockit the deliberately distorted vocal adds to the fury being expressed. "Desolate Oasis" in an eight minute epic, which kicks off with chorus-filled acoustic guitars. You could almost be listening to The Cult for the first minute. Then there's a Led Zeppelin circa "Kashmir" sound to the guitar riffing. As is so often the case, when a band dials back the speed and volume they become vastly more interesting. Of course it isn't long before the volume and speed is turned back up, but by now you've got to expect that the band know what the majority of their fans like. I always feel betrayed my music reviewers who won't pass judgement just because the music 'isn't their sort of thing'. I can't claim to be an expert in thrash metal, neither has this album convinced me that I should become such a thing, but there's no denying the band are good at what they do. Oh dear, I think I've just let myself down again... |
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