TOTAL CHAOS
"In
God We Kill" (Cleopatra; 1999)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Even if you never heard a lick of their music, you'd know Total Chaos was a punk band just by
looking at them: sleeveless denim jackets, black jack-boots, spiked-hair, tattoos. You look,
you think "punk."
But put their CD into your player and after the first track, you'll discover that the band's
looks were only the tip of the iceberg. Total Chaos deliver the rough-edged vocals, the
crunching guitars and the pounding bass of great punk with a twisted edge. They sound like the
Ramones mixed with Nine Inch Nails or maybe "Anti-Christ Superstar"-era Marilyn Manson.
The best tracks on the CD are the pulverizing "Never Give Up," the sock-hop "Running With Youth,"
the metal-tinged "Feel My Rage," the grinding "Electric Lady" and the final track, "I Believe in
Anarchy (Exploited)." The final track, "The Death of All Nazi Scum," is listed as #19 but does
not appear on the CD. Bummer.
Fans of the Ramones, Rancid and Pennywise will like Total Chaos. It's pure punk in the standard
tradition with a little modern spin to keep things fresh. Basically, you get
lots of noise and attitude. What else could you possibly want?
Total Chaos is: Rob Chaos - vocals; Shawn Smash - guitar; Joe Bastard - bass; Danny Alfaro - 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 © 2000 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 12 Aug 2024 14:33:59 -0400.
