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Addiction Crew
Lethal
(Aural Music/SPV Records)
Ask almost any self-respecting, ‘…true…’ Hard Rock or Heavy Metal fan and they will almost assuredly tell you that outside of the hairspray and mascara-encrusted confined of the oft-maligned Hair Metal genre, they have little--if any--use for Pop music. Don’t get me wrong; I personally appreciate well-executed music, regardless of its stylistic tendencies, from a mind-boggling variety of far-flung and exotic sources. Unfortunately, despite my notoriously mind-numbingly pleas for acceptance and diversity amid the notoriously closed-minded “Hard Music” communities, many are still militantly hesitant to openly embrace anything beyond their unintentionally limited tastes. Thus, you can only imagine my excitement when I was approached regarding writing a review of the latest offering from Pop/Rock hybrid that is the mighty Addiction Crew.
On the stellar Lethal (2008), an expertly assembled twelve song collection of deliciously Pop-inflected Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, each track, beginning with the scalding first single “Target”, and the undeniably thunderous “The Reason You Can’t Sleep”, instantly commands the rapt and undivided attention of even the most jaded and unimaginative of listeners, myself most definitely included. Pounding their few would-be oppressors into an almost hypnotic submission, the group’s initial onslaught, while inarguably ear-pleasing and at times exceedingly commercial in nature, is often characterized by lastingly memorable after affects, a much-welcomed attribute that distinguishes the group from their few legitimate contemporaries. But am I once again overstating my feelings by ‘…wearing my heart on my sleeve…’ as I have done in the past? Absolutely not!
Continuing with the Soaring, emotionally-charged “See Me Again”, and the delightfully hook-laden “Along The Way”, the newly rejuvenated combination of vocalist Marta Innocenti, guitarist Alex Guadagnoli (ex-Electrocution and at one point, a ‘…serious candidate…’ to replace the legendary Max Cavalera is Sepultura), bassist Maxx C., and formed Idols Are Dead drummer Luca Canali steamroll ahead at what can only be described as a carefully calculated pace. With the inexplicable departure of vocalist Yuri Bianchi, bassist Andrea Zanetti (ex-Schizo, Momentum) and drummer Alessandro Lera apparently well behind them, Innocenti and Guadagnoli once again lead the Bologna, Italy-based quartet through a refreshing, mostly mid-tempo barrage of maddeningly infectious NüMetal, punctuated throughout by equal elements of Dance and Hip Hop.
Wisely embracing a seemingly eclectic variety of ‘…heavier influences…’ that effectively add credence to the group’s unorthodox compositional approach, other standouts, including the lush, acoustic-tinged “Hangin’ In The Air”, and the curiously-titled (yet relentlessly pummeling) “Ride On Liars”, ultimately find the frequently ferocious foursome firing on all cylinders, resulting in a collection of material quite easily worthy of the highest of critical and commercial accolades. Co-produced and mixed by the acclaimed James Dunkley (American Head Charge, Blaze Bayley and Soil, among others), the ensuing sonic carnage, while arguably far more Metal-orientated than 2004’s equally ingenious Earache Records-issued predecessor Break In Life, wisely retains the group’s trademark Pop prowess without sacrificing the heavier elements of their overall tonality.
So what’s wrong? Still not sure you’ll dig it? Seriously, dude…get a freakin’ grip. Are you really that afraid of variety and change? An absolute must-have for any Metalhead with a genuine and sincere interest in broadening their musical horizons (particularly for those not wanting to entirely abandon their belovedly hard-earned ‘…headbanging roots…’), the majority--if not all--of the decidedly hook-laden wares contained herein are deftly intertwined with enough unabashedly airtight Electronica groove and sheer metallic crunch to thoroughly satisfy all parties involved. As a result, if you’ve once again found yourself in search of a slightly less than obvious alternative to the proverbial mindless din and clatter that is so often force fed en mass, then this, my friends, might just be the high octane cure for what ails you. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
Select Discography
Lethal (2008)
Break In Life (2004)
Doubt The Dosage (2003)
Just To Hurt (1998)