Uncovered, the new five track EP offering from the Butcher Babies, is the hors d’oeuvres designed to quench the palate of metal heads everywhere in anticipation of their second full length album. A follow up to 2013’s Goliath. (Which is a must own for any metal fan.) Released via Century Media on September 30th 2014, Uncovered is not just a cover album; it is a hearty offering of ear shattering metal anthems. And if you are unfamiliar with this band, first of all: shame on you, but secondly, like their self-released, first EP, this is a great introduction.
From the opening chanting of “Beer Drinkers And Hell Raisers” (made famous by ZZ Top) to the final licks of “Pussy Whipped” (made famous by S.O.D.) this record is an onslaught of crunching guitar riffs and precision drumming. Ballads and radio friendly tracks need not apply as each song continues to push the speed and thrash meters off the charts. Jason Klein (Bass), Henry Flury (guitar) and Chris Warner (drums) are an underrated force to be reckoned with. And performing these cover songs, with shredding originality and airtight perfection, gives the listener a glimpse of said ability. On their albums and live in concert, there is serious technical talent mixed in with the distortion that sadly might be missed by some - especially with the distractingly breath-taking good looks of co-front women, Heidi Shepherd and Carla Harvey.
But don’t be fooled. Looks are not what makes these women so captivating. Their raw, primal voices and commanding stage presence is what makes these women stand out. In fact, their looks could be their greatest detriment, as sadly, whether it’s because of intimidation or because of preconceived notions, but some hardcore metal fans might brush this five-piece band off at first glance, simply because of how hot the singers are. Though many men out there might be disappointed by the ladies dropping their “Wendy O Williams” inspired look, complete with electrical tape over the nipples, it was the best thing they could do as a band, to allow their beyond reproachable music to speak for itself.
The highlight of this cover album is the song choices the band made. From covering The Osmonds, “Crazy Horses” to Napoleon XIV’s “They’re Coming To Take Me Away,” these are not your traditional cover album songs and given the Butcher Babies treatment, the songs feel like they have been reinvented. It is a little disappointing there is only five songs on this offering, but as Shepherd told HMS, “It’s something for Butcher Babies fans to munch on while we finish our album.”
So enjoy this appetizer, which can be pre ordered through their website until September 19th 2014. With the EP comes a tee shirt and poster of the band that pays homage to the classic GnR album, Lies.
Also, coming soon, an in depth interview with Butcher Babies singer, Heidi Shepherd.
Album highlight: The whole fucking album!
Ryan Andrews, HMS
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