Artistic in their craziness, Shook Like Dead Men bring the hectic. As much of it as they could fit in their recent stint... The Five Solas EP. In todays music, it is hard to find hardcore that can paint such a beautiful canvas with true hectic hardcore atmosphere. Hardcore riffs, shrieking guitar effects, blistering drums, a thick bass line, and pure raw screams come at you like a swarm off bees. And if your a true hardcore kid, you fight these bees with swinging legs and elbows. And even if that style of musical body movement is not your forte', moving your head up and down will do just fine. Matter of fact, I know that is what you will do regardless.
"Slave < Master" immediately kicks off the record in fury of all that is Shook Like Dead Men. Leaving nothing to the imagination of who they are. With songs like this, Christian underground hardcore can be a sleeping giant (pun intended). "Tetelestai (It Is Finished)" starts off in an incredibly moving groove. With the same formula as the opening track, it amuses just the same, if not more, being my personal favorite track on the EP. "This Is How We Starve" slows down the momentum a bit in the middle of the EP. This song has the presence of an interlude disguised in a 6-plus minute worship song. Reminding all of us listeners as to why they do what they do, and who the glory ultimately is given to. The record then finishes out in two really solid songs in "Soli Deo Gloria" and "B.G.Y.A.S.", which both featuring guests. Nick Detty of Wolves At The Gate makes an appearance in the finale, "B.G.Y.A.S.", bringing a good performance to contrast the two vocal styles.
The Five Solas EP is raw in talent, and production, which is perfect for this brand of hardcore. Overall this record is extremely energetic. Exactly what you would expect from a band that grabs from the same box of goodies as bands like The Chariot, Norma Jean, and Every Time I Die. And if you are looking for another band to add to your mix of bands just named, look no further. Give them more time and Shook Like Dead Men with make their noise heard from house to house.
This is a house show on a cd. Do not pass up on this release.
4/5
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
All Became New
At Home In The Gutter
hardcore/punk
1. Frozen Over (feat. Patrick Scholz of From The Eyes of Servants)