DRIFT (Germany)
"Stalkin'
Like Killers" (Alveran Records; 2002)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Drift is a metalcore band from Germany. It felt weird writing that last sentence and I'm certain it must have been a little weird to read it, too.
I must admit that I'm getting a little tired of hardcore and to some extent metalcore as well. But Drift, with their debut full-length, "Stalkin' Like Killers," have caught my ear more quickly than most others bands in the genre. Of course, part of that is due to my love for the European music scene, but also because I sense that most bands from Europe - no matter the style - take their craft just a bit more seriously than the average North American band.
Oddly enough, Drift's big sound and 'more metal than hardcore' style actually reminds me to some extent of Stuck Mojo without the rapping mixed with the classic riffing of At The Gates - that may sound out-of-the ordinary, but it's an apt description. If you spend a little time with "Stalkin' Like Killers" I don't think it would be too long before you'd agree with that description of the band and the album.
Drift's intensity adds a new dimension of brutality to the somewhat stale hardcore/metalcore genre. Drift's music and energy springs forth like a coiled viper. The band's technical style borrows from many technically-inspired bands on both the North American and European continents. It's Drift's willingness to experiment that gives them an edge.
Drift's lyrics deal with host of social evils. My guess is that Drift are straight-edgers, but I could be wrong about that.
Drift sound like they could be signed by a label like Century Media - a label that isn't afraid to take chances on a wide variety of genres and styles.
Drift covers Integrity as a hidden bonus track.
Drift are Marcel Stroter on vocals, Dominik Stammen on guitar, Andreij Pavlov on guitar, Stefan Gormanns on bass, and Mirko Bergmann on drums.
Drift have broken up since the release of this CD.
For more information visit http://www.stalkinlikekillers.com
or http://www.alveranrecords.com.
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.
Copyright © 2003 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
