My first exposure to this striking band was their video for "Mr. Slowdeath" with its delightfully gritty editing and ominous narrative. The song and the video are both intense and powerful, but with Butcher Babies’ two attractive and provocatively clad young front women I couldn't help but wonder if this was an act that relied solely on their image. After listening to their Century Media Records debut album "Goliath" I am thrilled to say that this isn't the case at all.
The album hits hard and hits fast with a strong opener in "I Smell a Massacre". The song is well weighted in screams, growls and surprisingly melodic vocals. The intensity continues with "Magnolia Blvd", an equally powerful track with melodic highlights. The moody yet catchy "C8H18 (Gasoline)" reminds me a little of Limp Bizkit in its well thought out dynamics. As much as I enjoy pure rage and grind, I also appreciate melody and depth and Butcher Babies gives us all of this in droves. I love the sound of the guitar. It’s like a grimy chainsaw. The music is at times somewhere between grindcore, punk and (especially on the title track “Goliath”) groove-metal.
“In Denial” packs a punchy, driving groove with loads of rhythmic complexity somewhere between Faith No More and System of a Down. This track is quickly become a favorite of mine. “The Deathsurround” suitably embraces the musings of Death Metal and “Axe Wound” closes this high octane outing with a grimy thrash stomp.
“Goliath” is an aggressively consistent album that manages to display nuance without losing its focus or intensity. There are a variety of influences colliding on this well produced album, and it’s a recipe that seems to be working for Butcher Babies. If you’re fan of punk, grindcore, nu-metal or thrash, I recommend giving Butcher Babies a listen.
Richard Leggatt, HMS
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