PASSENGER
Reviewed by Mike SOS
Combine In Flames plus Transport League plus Gardenian plus a Swedish bass player and you get what? The all-star metal outfit Passenger, whose 11-track self-titled CD kicks you in the head from the very first moments of the electric opening track, "In Reverse."
Citing Helmet and Handsome as influences, the down-tuned riffages and cleaned-up vocals of Passenger are a departure from the bandmember's day jobs, and the end result can almost be likened to nu-metal. Still, the post-hardcore sound mixed with these Swedes' undeniable Gothenburg roots contains sturdy hooks (especially on "I Die Slowly" with its memorable chorus), aggressive rhythms, and - above all - massive amounts of groove and soul, making this side project a triumphant metal release.
If you dug the early '90s metal scene from NYC, chances are Passenger will be a favorite of yours, too.
For more information, check out http://www.passenger.nu.
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 © 2004 by R. Scott Bolton. All
rights reserved.
Revised: 09 Dec 2024 16:07:10 -0500
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