RuneWalsh2112
I've had some great times with this release and by the sound of it so has the band! Right after his collaboration with Fantômas, Dave Lombardo returned to his long running side project. Together with Waldemar Sorychta and Gus Chambers he manages to deliver the best Grip.Inc release by far! It's quite unfortunate that this turned out to be the last album released by the band. The tragic and unexpected death of Gus Chambers was quite a blow for me considering that there was a point back in 2005 when I played this album pretty much non-stop for days on end. Gus will definitely be missed!
From the first tones of "Curse (Of the Cloth)" it was pretty clear that this was not the same Grip Inc. that released the first three albums. The tone is much more experimental, probably helped by the fact that Lombardo got a feel for Avant-garde Metal while working with Mike Patton. The pattern continues to evolve all throughout this release and, with the exception of the lackluster closing track "Man With No Insides", turns into one of the most exciting releases of 2004!
I wouldn't really recommend this album to fans of traditional Thrash Metal since there isn't really much of it going on here. There are a few burst of Slayer sound here and there but the overall approach is much more melodic and mellow. Definitely a must for fans of eclectic metal music!
***** star songs: Curse (Of The Cloth) (5:04) The Answer (3:49) Endowment Of Apathy (3:06) The Gift (4:12)
**** star songs: Prophecy (4:18) Enemy Mind (3:24) Skin Trade (4:25) (Built To) Resist (4:27) Privilege (4:48) Blood Of Saints (5:03)
*** star songs: Man With No Insides (5:34)