Time Signature Tear ya down...

Genre: traditional heavy metal

Formed in 1995, at a time when the popularity of heavy metal was at an all time low, October 31 are, if anything, a tough-skinned and celebrated underground heavy metal band. "Bury the Hatchet" is their fourth album and the first full-length in nine years since the release of "No Survivors". It should be mentioned that they released some EPs and that period.

Anyway, "Bury the Hatchet" treats the listener to traditional heavy metal of the heavier kind. The opening track is a self-celebratory powerhouse track because why not? It is followed by the title track. Both of these are okay, but in my opinion also the weakest tracks on the album. However, when we get to 'Down at Lover's Lane', things really take off and the remaining songs form a streak of in-yer-face kick ass heavy metal tracks which combine old school heavy metal aggression with melody. In particular 'Down at Lover's Lane', 'Under My Gun', 'Growing Old', and 'Arsenic on the Rocks' are very strong heavy metal tracks.

The production is relatively dirty for a traditional metal release, but that suits the music itself fairly well. King Fowley's gruff vocal style adds a rough edge as do the elements from thrash metal that pop up every now and then. Fans of old school heavy metal and hard rocking guitar solos have something to look forward to as well.

Fans of traditional heavy metal with a rougher edge and a relentless old school attitude should definitely check this album out.