Sporting a sound influenced by some of the best heavy bands ever, them Newcastle boys know how to rock a joint, I reckon.One of my favorite things about heavy metal is its tendency to reinvent itself even after a few decades and thousands of bands all over the world putting out product. I'm always excited to hear good metal from new bands no matter the genre, which brings me to this review.
From across the pond comes Def Con One to give us a dose of good, old-fashioned, British heavy metal - while giving sonic nods to some of the more interesting bands of the decades since metal's inception. Take March of the Dead, where you can hear 90s touches of Pantera's muddy distortion before going into an Alice In Chainsy pre-chorus that flows perfectly. Blood lays down a Sevendusty groove with authority, whereas on cuts like the title track, you're taken back to the 80s for some Anthraxish mayhem. But don't make the mistake of thinking this band doesn't have a real sound of their own and that this is all aping popular music of yesteryear. DCO puts their own stamp on things with a punk ferocity that feels both thrilling and authentic.
The Bottom Line: If you're in a moshing mood, set your party to rights with a little Def Con One. This group of hooligans from Newcastle know how to rock a joint with killer grooves and seismic beats that make up a suitably dirty sound, in the best way.
Tracks to Make Enemies of Your Neighbors: March of the Dead, Warface, Blood
- Genghis is still headbanging to Blood...