ALBUM REVIEWS: KILLING TIME, HIGH ON FIRE
Monday, March 1, 2010
KILLING TIME
Three Steps back
Dead City Records

Its been a long, long, long time since Killing time put out a new album. The hardcore pioneers have been on a long hiatus between the years of their last release (The Method 1999) and now. What has changed? Absolutely nothing. Instrumentally they are tighter than ever and lyrically they are angrier than ever. Like a bunch of old guys bitching about work at a local bar. Hardcore is a very grey area these days. If a band does too much experimenting with the classic sound, they are sellouts. If they continue the same formula, they are unimaginative and uninspired. Three Steps Back proves that theory incorrect, and the new release is diamond in the rough. They aren't reinventing the wheel here. Hell, what is hardcore but three chords and a bunch of angst and passion.
TOP TRACKS: Spaceheater, 24, Rope A Dope, Mingus, Half Empty
FINAL VERDICT: Killing Time has proved you can pump out blue collar hardcore, stay true to the scene and move forward with the same driving sound that was made popular in the late 80s and 90s. Some things are good to rely on. Catching an STD from a Hunt's Point hooker is one. Killing Time putting out a killer album is another.
RATING: 4/5






HIGH ON FIRE
Snakes for the Divine
Koch Records

What do you get when you combine a three piece metal band, crushing riffage and lots of devil horns? Answer. A migraine brought about by the constant whiplash caused by headbanging to High On Fire's new album, Snakes for the Divine. I've seen these guys play only a few times and was amazed that the sound emanating from the stage
was that of a three piece. Not many bands can pull that off. While not too familiar with their previous albums, Snakes, is very stripped down and raw sounding album. If you are one for comparisons, the album can come off as sounding like a much heavier version of The Sword.
TOP TRACKS: Snakes for the Divine, Ghost Neck, How Dark We Pray
FINAL VERDICT: With each song clocking in at 6 plus minutes, you are in for a long listen. I've read some other reviews where people complain about the track order and how it doesn't run smoothly. I think these people have too much time on their hands. You either like the album or you don't. This reviewer likes the album. A lot.
RATING: 3/5



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