Rough Edge: Dead Rites CD Reviews

DEAD RITES

"Dead Alive" (Hedonism Records; 2008)

Reviewed by Snidermann

As you may have guessed, "Dead Alive" is a live recording by Dead Rites. What's great about this particular live recording is that it really shows just what this band is all about: power, talent and fun.

Real live recordings (as opposed to those ProTools studio jobs out there) are really a showcase for a band to shine. There are no over dubs when a mistake is made and no tweaking of the vocals to make them just right. It is bare bones music and that's just what Dead Rites delivers here and they deliver it very well.

This recording has ten live tracks and two studio tracks and it's well worth a listen.

For more information, check http://www.myspace.com/deadrites.

"In the Midst of Malevolence" (Hedonism Records; 2006)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Those of you lamenting the lack of horror punk need lament no more. Dead Rites has arrived, with their new CD "In the Midst of Malevolence," and the sound of the Misfits and early Danzig has been given a resurrection. In fact, on several tracks contained on this CD, you'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference between the sound of Radu and the gang as opposed to Glenn and his.

Still, proving that Dead Rites are more than just a soundalike band, "In the Midst of Malevolence" adds its own layer of attitude and atmosphere that give the entire CD a haunting heaviness. Guitars often have that Black Sabbath smudge (especially on "Let the Devil Name Him") while the rhythm is often rollicking punk rock. An interesting and effective combo.

There are plenty of surprises on the disc, as well. For example, just as the raging "At the Gates of Gadera" comes to a close, along comes a cover of Nine Inch Nails' "Hurt," which Dead Rites performs like their version of a ballad, sounding like something Jim Morrison might have recorded when in a dark mood. Covers of the Ramones' "Pet Sematary," Johnny Cash's "Sam Hall" and Rancid's "St. Mary" (as a hidden track) also score high marks.

A strong album throughout, "In the Midst of Malevolence" gives fans of the genre exactly what they're looking for.

Dead Rites: Radu - Vocals; Gonzi - Bass; Josh- Drums; Nomad- Guitars & Piano; Brandon- Guitars.

For more information, check http://www.myspace.com/deadrites.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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