Rhyme - The Seed And The Sewage

Them Southern boys sure know to rock things in - *spit take* Milan?!Italy's not the first place us Americans think of when considering modern metal bands. It's not because they don't have plenty of great bands coming out of that Mediterranean locale. For me, I imagine it has something to do with the phenomenon of singers often losing their accent when they sing in English. I don't know if that's just how they learned or what, but whether by choice or some natural transmogrification, it happens - as in the case of Milan's Rhyme. This is neither good or bad, mind you, I'm simply saying you may come to find out that great new band you found on Spotify may not be as American as they sound.

Their second album, The Seed And The Sewage, is a very approachable record in the vein of bands like Nickelback or even Black Stone Cherry. It's straightahead modern metal with a Southern slant which makes for a pretty agreeable formula - especially to us Americans. Vocalist Gabriele Gozzi has a great voice for this kind of music; a loud, powerful rebel yell that rides on the melodic crunch of Matteo Magni's guitars. Thankfully, there's a good clean mix for the listener to enjoy these radio friendly tunes without having to strain through the kind of muddy production that often ruins otherwise enjoyable bands.

The more I listen to it, the more it kinda sounds like a lost Winger album with songs that may not stick in your head for very long but are nonetheless throughly enjoyable every time you hear them.

The Bottom Line: Straightahead metal music with a Southern swagger from the Mediterranean? Yup, that's exactly what you get with Rhyme's sophomore release. Somebody pour me a drink and turn it up!

Tracks to Finish a Bottle of Jack Daniels to: Blind Dog, Slayer To The System, World Underground and Victim of Downturn

- Genghis really needs some rest and a LOT of cough medicine...