Various Artists
Prepared For War
Reviewed by Roadrunner
Why'd I take so long to listen to this mighty cool 12"? I've been missing out on some rather happenin' hard / grind core. Vinyl's just not as convenient as CD's, but I've always liked the thickness you get from those grooves (it's true there is a difference & I swear by Grado Stylists for great bass!). Anyway, 3 bands, 13 songs here. Overcome starts out rather roaringly & scarier than most death metal with "Prayer". In fact, most of the vocals here shred some serious V-cords! On No Innocent Victims' "Monkey Crap", the marching orders go out as well as the chants. Clay's "Rain & Snow", a song off their demo, mixes street rhyme style in with the whirling churning guitars. Overcome is quite ear shattering, N.I.V. is at times slightly reminiscent of Clutch & Clay, well they're just plain scary. This compilation was made more interesting by mixing the bands songs up for variety. The only negative things I can say are that some of the guitar tones are a bit tinny & this stuff will more than likely appeal to no one but punk / HC / grind purists. Otherwise I recommend.