Rough Edge: Gryn CD Reviews

GRYN

"Our New Earth" (Last Beat Records; 2000)

GRYN is modern aggro-core with enough aggression to fuel the anger of today's youth into an unrelenting frenzy. The Dallas-based GRYN have power to spare with ten tracks of overwhelming fury and purpose.

All the tracks on "Our New Earth" have their roots in aggro and nu-metal's pulsating, rhythmic pounding. Yet the vocals eschew rap for all out hardcore, rhythmic primal screaming. Not exactly my 'cup of tea' these days, but hey, it's effective for the task at hand.

I was told that the band was influenced by Meshuggah; however, I hear more of a Vision Of Disorder influence and Machine Head sound in the band's material along with a heavy dose of groove. At the heart of all of the songs is a social and political core that gives the lyrics meaning and loads of emotion to propel the songs into your sub-conscious.

Does it kick ass, you ask? Yeah, it kicks ass. If you're tired of the rappin' contained in nu-metal and you want to get back to basics yet still hear the power and aggression of nu-metal then pick up "Our New Earth."

Although "Our New Earth" isn't something that I'll be putting back into the CD player anytime too soon (it sounds 'too current' to this reviewer's ears), you can't doubt the sincerity and power that GRYN have to offer.

"Our New Earth" was produced by Ben Yeager and GRYN.

Gryn is Brett Straight on vocals, Ben Bunker on guitar and vocals, Jason Walters on guitar, Shawn Normandin on bass, and Jacy McCann on drums.

For more information visit http://www.gryncore.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.

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