Review from Black Angel Promotions

Blood & Guts Records Presents
The Resurrection
Comp CD

By: Black Angel

Blood and Guts Records seem to have been on the ball the past few years. They've already released one Horror Rock/Punk comp, The Vladimirs and Casket Casey. I must make mention they're in the process of unleashing a new Horror band called T-virus, who, judging from the couple of tunes I've heard, will blow your mind. The latest to come from the label is "The Resurrection", Horror Punk Comp #2. I can't say much for the first comp, as I didn't get the chance to hear it, but the new one is killer! I am not really a fan of compilations for the most part, but I've really enjoyed this one. I think the main thing is that most of bands on the comp are fresh and new to me, with the exception of a few bands. For a limited time only, this comp will be sold for six bucks, that's a damn good chance to check out new bands at a CHEAP price!

The Vladimirs get the comp. started off nicely with the Punk Rockin' track, "Lost Along The Way". While I am not the biggest fan of the Vlads, this track rips! It's very fast and intense, with a heavy, heavy dose of Metal riffs and leads, which I am not used to dealing with when it comes to this band. The next track, "Serpent Girl", is also by the Vladimirs. I'd heard it before on another comp and I really didn't dig it, however this time around, I've grown attached to it. The vocals combined with the fury of the music is absolutely spinetingling! I have to say, I have a new respect for the band after giving them another listen.

Next up, we have a band called Devil Rides Out. The first track is a quick-paced track entitled "The Infected". The overall feel of the music in this song is dirty and gritty. The vocals are reminiscent of Oldschool Punk, but the lyrics explode with Horror influences-think "Dawn Of The Dead". "Blank Dice" is the second track from the band. I am all over this song; it's awesome! The guitar riffs mesh nicely with the vocal arrangements. The song, at times, comes across a bit Poppy, but the lyrics say other wise. I am definitely looking forward to hearing more from this band.

Now we've come to Casket Casey, who are signed to the label (B&G Records). The band's contribution is "Back To Life" which also appears on their debut EP, "Coffin' Up Bones". By far, this is one of the best tracks I've heard from an independent band with a female vocalist. Now, I wouldn't exactly call this Horror Punk/Rock, but it's definitely Death Rock. The lyrics are strangely morbid. It's about a Lesbian Necrophiliac digging up a cadaver and bringing it back to life for a sultry love affair. The vocals are magnificent, the singer of this band is definitely a siren. While she can belt it out, she has wonderful control over her vocals, they aren't stretched thin at all. The guitar riffs are chunky and melodic as well, very reminiscent of John Christ. This is a phenomenal track that alone is worth the price of the disc.

I am very familiar with the band Mockingbird Lane, however, I am not too impressed with the two tracks they've contributed to the compilation: "I...Vampire" and "Wolf's Head". The band is quite capable of writing better tunes. I would say it was the sound quality of the songs, but the vocals just don't seem to change key on either song. This is the only problem and aside from this, they're good. Like I said I know this band has better because I've heard it. I suggest checking out some of their other tunes if these two don't move ya.

Calabrese, who has a huge following in the Horror Punk world, contribute "Backseat Of My Hearse". I've never been a fan of this band, I just don't see what the fuss is about. However, this song is Rad! I didn't see that one coming, not in a million years. It's very catchy with a well written chorus that adds some much needed heaviness to the backbone of the track. The lyrics are fun and amusing, which has always been the downfall of me not liking the band. This time out they have a certain pizzazz that has been missing in the past.

Newcomers, Scarecrow, contribute two tracks entitled "Black Cat" and "Ghost Rider". The tune "Black Cat" comes off more Hardcore Punk than it does Horror. The tempo is fast-paced, the vocals border between snarls and growls and the guitar riffs are stacked. I find myself digging the direction the song is going, then all of a sudden it stops... Kinda leaves me feeling cheated. "Ghostrider" starts pretty much where "Black Cat" left off. It's plenty speedy with a huge boot of Hardcore Punk to the face. The bass lines in this track are extravagant. They're reminiscent of The Exploited, YAY!

T-Virus who will be releasing their debut through B&G soon, also contribute two tracks; "Dead Girl" and "Til Death Do Us Part". "Dead Girl" delivers a healthy helping of Death influences, ranging from bands like Sisters Of Mercy, Blue Oyster Cult, 45 Grave and HIM. I said a mouthful, didn't I? Personally, I love the lead break in the track, that is where the BOC flavor comes from. There are times when I feel like I am listening to "Don't Fear The Reaper"! The vocals are a nice subtle croon, with shades of HIM, which is cool. "Til Death Do Us Part" is a brilliant track that sounds just like the band HIM. You might find yourself saying that's not cool. Oh, yes it is! The world needs more bands like this, the music is heartwarming with an emotional darkside to it, to which we can all relate.

Italian favorites, Rival Skulls offer up "Kill Jason Kill" and "Evil Dead". Sadly, I am not too fond of "Kill Jason Kill", the mix of track is a little muddy for my taste. The vocals on the other hand are slammin', this guy sounds like Danzig when he was in Samhain. You just can't compete with that! "Evil Dead" is packed with Punk as Fuck guitar riffs and a rhythm section to match. Again, the vocals are extremely stout.

I've never heard of the band Bilharzia, and to be honest with you, after hearing "Disturbing The Grave", I don't wanna hear anymore. While it does have a the quality of a Misfits track (Earth A.D. era), it just doesn't do anything for me. The mix is real raw which furthers my distaste, but there will be some of you that will no doubt enjoy this tune.

The Infected is another band I've not had the pleasure of hearing. Again, I'll admit I am not too enthused with this band. The first track, "Suicide Club" is a bit on the noisy side, but the guitar riffs are killer! I'd like to hear it with a good clean mix. "Ten Seconds To Hell" is better than the aforementioned. There is a ripping lead intro, then the track quickly dives off into a break-neck tail spin of Thrash styled Punk. The vocals and the guitar riffs are powerful in this tune. Other than the mix, I like everything about the song. I am very intrigued with the band and would be interested in hearing more of their stuff.

The Afterdarks are a damned good Horror band! For one, the songs are short and sweet, this is how Horror Punk should be done in my opinion. "When The Sun Goes Down" is boiling over with huge bass lines, which is something new to me. Most of the time you never hear the bass in Horror music. The song has a nice "Vladimirs" quality to it. "Murder On The Mississippi" is another rip-roaring Punk track. The drum sounds strike me odd and if I didn't know any better, I'd swear they were beatin' the hell from trash cans. The chorus is highly addictive, I have actually been humming it all the long day. Definitely keep an eye on this band.

www.bloodandgutsrecords.com