Elements of old school punk rock and metal are blended in such a way that shines a light on speed of technical ability without losing the touch of a catchy hook.
Arrival by Acidosis—releasing this Friday, March 27–is a throwback to their early material, re-worked and recorded to give the songs the quality production they deserve.
After finding demos from their high school years, the band decided to re-introduce themselves with this collection of high-energy anthems, presented in such a way that delivers that musical vision conjured in youth.
The album opens with the title track. “Arrival” begins with an aggressive galloping rhythm and tone that immediately takes me back to Iron Maiden. This first impression goes the distance with screaming vocals that are clearly understood. The song sounds like something from the past that scratches a nostalgic itch, without sounding dated. The guitar solo is both sleek and full of grit… one of those, ‘both things can be true’ scenarios where I’m left basking in a sound I hope goes on forever, before the gallop returns and the song concludes.
The second song is a clear homage to a film of the same name. “They Live!” Is a fast excursion that could’ve been dubbed over the classic fight scene from the movie or played in the depths of a small punk club. This track is a fun trip expressed through dirty riffs and anti-establishment rhetoric that the film gifted to the masses, all that time ago. When the guitars drop out before the solo, the distorted bass stands alone, and I found myself nodding in approval.
“Hostile Negotiations” opens with a sound that reminds me of the first Offspring record; the up-tempo punk influence runs through this one. I loved the gang vocals as they chant through the chorus in such a way that reminds me of Anthrax.
There’s a couple of interlude tracks that slow down a bit. The change in tempo and sound communicates an attempt to break up the record into separate parts. The first one offers clean electric guitars, and a borderline western feel gives the soulful impression of looming danger, handled with care.
That looming danger is directly presented in “Tied To The Tracks,” as the band returns to form with up-tempo hard rock that is both sleek and gritty. The drums on this track are loud enough to bring down the house. Style and substance are the hallmarks of this production, and this song stands out as one that’s worth hearing repeatedly.
“Mankind” offers more of that drum sound that I find intoxicating. The intro is a bit downtempo for Acidosis, but it picks up quickly. Rhythmic play on the drums is fantastic and compliments the guitars perfectly. There’s an angry feeling that throws back to Judas Priest. Two thirds of the way through, a bridge returns us to rhythmic tom play before the guitar solo takes this one over the top. The conclusion goes half tempo and will be an undeniable crowd pleaser in a live setting.
“Interlude 2” is shorter than the first, but is placed here with the same intent. This clean electric play pivots from the hard distortion as we prepare for the record to conclude.
“Deadly Fits” is another blend of old school punk and metal elements that demand you move furniture to make way for a pit in your living room. This song (and the record in general) makes me want to move with youthful energy, the kind of chaotic anger that music soothes and stimulates in the same chord progression. This song double checks that box!
The record concludes with “Where I Stand,” and the intro is different from everything else on the record. It opens with clean electric guitars, and the time signature is that of a waltz. It has an almost western feel to it—danger around every corner and chemicals prompting poor choices… about a minute in, it kicks into gear with distortion and the time signature pivots to 4/4. I loved the way Acidosis chose to end this record, as it reveals there’s a multitude of surprises in their bag of tricks that I’m still caught off guard at the conclusion.
Tight riffs, speed, and high energy are the definitive ingredients by which this album was put together.
Arrival hits hard from the opening bell and doesn’t let up. I’m looking forward to hearing anything else they’ve got to share.
Tracklist
- Arrival
- They Live!
- Hostile Negotiations
- Interlude
- Tied To The Tracks
- Mankind
- Interlude 2
- Deadly Fits
- Where I Stand
ACIDOSIS is:
Ben Katzman – Bass / Vocals
Diego Edsel – Guitar
Deo Budnevich – Guitar
Jonathan Rusten – Guitar
Harry Schwarz – Drums
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