Rough Edge: Kilgore CD Reviews

KILGORE

"A Search For Reason" is heavy hardcore influenced metal with smart lyrics. One could easily place Kilgore in the alt-metal category, but that would be doing them a great disservice. Kilgore are able to melt a variety of styles into their cauldron of thick metal-core.

The band's literate approach allows the foursome extraordinary flexibility in crafting songs of resonance and depth. Manifesting neuroses are the driving force behind the ideas and lyrics; it's a crazed trip and you'd be happy not to have experienced the things these guys have had to suffer through.

Kilgore are at their best when they allow their songs to pace themselves. The songs that teeter towards the metal side of things include "Steamroller" and "Drop The Hammer." Songs that fit more in the hardcore mold are "Avowal," "In Media Res," "Double-Edged Sword" and "TK-421" (which hits like an AK-41, by the way). Kilgore are able to raise classic-styled heaviness to new heights when they slow down as evidenced by "Introverted," "Prayers For The Dying," and "Providence."

Considering Kilgore gained national exposure on the OzzFest '98 Tour during the days when rap-metal was beginning its ascension to mass popularity it was nice to have a band like Kilgore grounding the metal community in reality rather than under the weight of false populist insincerity.

Kilgore: Jay Berndt on vocals, Mike Pelletier on guitar, Steve Johnson on bass, and Bill Southerland on drums. "A Search For Reason" was produced, recorded, and mixed by Ed Stasium (who has worked with Ramones, Living Colour, Misfits). Fear Factory's Burton C. Bell contributes background vocals to a number of songs.

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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