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EPISODE ONE
"First
Degree" (Fusion Records; 1999)
Reviewed by Alicia Downs
Oh, the nu-metal sounds delivering hard-ons to frat boys and radio DJs
across the land. Sometimes I introspect and wonder what all this might mean? In retrospect,
I might conclude that it translates to the demise of metal as most of us older than twenty once knew it. But,
alas, I cannot hold onto the freedoms of a misguided youth and so I move on and slowly become more accepting of the nu-metal
sound. But that doesn't mean I have to like it.
All of these obscure ramblings do pertain to my review of Episode One's album "First Degree"
since, throughout the duration and listening experience, they were able to present this nu-metal
combination of rapcore and hardcore in a way that was actually palatable. The
track "Demon" serves up a supreme offering worthy to some of the now defunct metal
gods - a track that would make precursors and the older metal generation proud. "Master Plan" as well as
"Redemption" were highly entertaining from a musical standpoint, although "I Saw" was more flaccid than Bob Dole
pre-Viagra.
The quartet hails from Maryland that has recently seen a burst of metal heads falling into the
"nu" genre with the likes of Nothingface (whom Episode One recognizes in their thank you shout outs)
and Dog Fashion Disco. Their musical styling is highly representative of the sound
heard from Nothingface although vocally their performance is spoken word rapcore combined with an
exploding hardcore chorus. This combination results in a broadened sound that may increase its
appeal to fans like myself that find little attraction in the metal/rap mixes of
today's youth.
Simply, the album displays the death of a metal that once
tempted and frightened my juvenile mind in favor of the "nu" trend but Episode
One manages to do it in a way that is at least bearable and even enjoyable.
Episode One are: Mike D'agostino (vocals & synth); Rich Stevenson (guitar &
synth), Rob Hampshire (bass) and Kevin Scott (drums).
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 © 1999 by R.
Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
Revised:
08 Apr 2024 12:58:24 -0400
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