Western Massacre – “Freedom Though Violence”
Earlier this year Florence, Massachusetts’ premier death-groove metal artists, Western Massacre, released their awesome debut CD called, “Freedom Through Violence”. A nine-track masterpiece of blended thrashy death, groove, melodic and hardcore, “Freedom Through Violence” offers enough diversity and excitement to capture and hold even the most finicky of metal connoisseurs.
Quality produced at MAS Studios by Joe Rogers, the CD features reworked versions of material found on the band’s 2010 self-titled EP and 2009 “Demolition” demo along with several new tracks. After popping the lid, you’ll discover lots of groovy timing changes, growling screechy tradeoffs, hooky guitar riffs and mosh-able rhythms. At times, even progressive in nature, it’s easy to loose yourself in a tune wondering how and if you’ll ever make it out, but certainly a fate well worth the endeavor.
Western Massacre is a five piece unit consisting of Matt Lentner’s exceptional vocalizations, the incomparable shredding tandem of Kyle Leary and Chad Hoag, and the gyrating rhythm section of Nate Larsen and Jeff Greene. Back in January TNB managed to catch a set by WM at Great Scott and was completely blown away by their energy and excitement. All, of which, they’ve been able to embody within “Freedom Through Violence”. OK, enough chit chat, let’s dive in and check out a few of my favorites.
The first tune on the CD is called, “Steel Casket”, and is certainly a great way to lead things off. A growling melodic intro with a steady syncopated beat and clock-like guitar riff builds up the anticipation. Suddenly giving way to an awesome swaggering guitar riff and we’re off to the stratosphere (…let the moshing begin!). A steady urgent groove commences fully equipped with sick inflected growlings and an amazing throw back guitar solo (…quick, get the paddles, cardiac arrest is immanent…). Definitely a great tune to perform brain surgery to. Check it out.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/Western Massacre – 01. Steel Casket.mp3|titles=Steel Casket]The third song called, “Facelift”, starts out as a melodic, melancholic number exhorting visions of Scandinavian Gothenburg metal, but that journey ends as quickly as it started. The rhythms quickly turn from a choppy double beating groove to a straight ahead hardcore run and then eventually, back to a groove (…are you still with me?). And just when I had it all figured out, the 4th stage of this anthem commences with an awesome guitar solo leading into yet another beat change to revisit a bit of the melodic metal to close (…exhausted yet?). Have a listen.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/Western Massacre – 03. Facelift.mp3|titles=Facelift]The last song on the CD is the title track, “Freedom Through Violence”, and starts out docile enough, but, as things would go, doesn’t stay that way very long. The tune features very cool vocalizations by Matt and some nice drumming by Jeff, but I think the highlight has to be a very sick guitar solo by Kyle. Definitely a great tune to close out Western Massacre’s very entertaining debut CD. Enjoy.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/Western Massacre – 09. Freedom Through Violence.mp3|titles=Freedom Through Violence]Well, that’s all I have time for today, as I’m due for brain surgery in five and have to prep. Let’s see now, I’ve scrubbed, buffed, pruned and pulled. The staff is greased and primed for action. The patient is drugged and ready for the assault. I guess there’s only one thing left, “Nurse will you queue up Western Massacre’s Freedom Through Violence please? You know I can’t operate without it”. Alright, I’m goin’ in ….
Be sure to pick up your copy of “Freedom Through Violence” today.
Later,
(Andy Bang)
