| Pat Marquez |
11/16/06 10:13 AM |
Cancer Bats - Birthing The Giant
Cancer Bats has been a band name I have heard tossed around more than once. Noticing that they have been creating a small and steady following that is only growing more and more impressive by the day, I opted to review their latest release Birthing The Giant. From the beginning, I was aware that they are a group of Canadians that have created a reputation for their impressive and extreme live show. I have seen some of my favorite hardcore bands hype them up and many of the readers through out our forums discuss them plenty, as well. Cancer Bats has released a record that will have any fan of that southern metal and hardcore sound jumping up and down. Although it may sound redundant, Cancer Bats is a band that has some striking similarities with Every Time I Die, but it does not stop there. They have successfully instituted their own personal sound that will not leave you unsatisfied and labeling them as a “rip off.” Birthing The Giant is a legitimate and kick ass release from the boys of Canada.
Literally exploding onto the scene, Cancer Bats have climbed up the latter of bands that have been able to cross into the States and quickly make a name for themselves. Their first full-length release via Abacus Recordings, Birthing The Giant is an album that is jam-packed with rusty riffs, witty lyrics, and plenty aggression. Lead vocalist Liam Cormier’s pipes are not smooth, he has an edgy sound and the approach he takes is fantastic. It is fitting for the music, which is clearly not pristine, either. These portrayals are not negative, but instead these descriptions are fitting for what Cancer Bats are trying to accomplish, an album that is simply raw and dirty. Cormiers singing style may have a rougher sound, but his lyrics are clearly audible through out the album. His lyrics range from tales of the generation he is a part of, calling out the fakes in the industry, and the double crossers. Scott Middleton’s guitar work is straight and antagonistic riffs that will unquestionably have your palms sweaty and your heart beating faster with each second. He sets and holds the pace for the album. Cancer Bats have created Birthing The Giant in an effort to leave you with the feeling of hostility and liveliness.
“Golden Tanks,” the first track off Birthing The Giant, is a swift and fist pumping metal / hardcore song that is an excellent exhibit of what Cancer Bats capabilities. As the chorus repeats itself, the listeners will find themselves shouting the lyrics, pounding their feet and paying close attention to the sullied yet powerful break downs thanks to Scott Middleton. The standout track of this release is “Death Bros.” It begins the most forcefully and for once, the bass is perceptible much more clearly in comparison to the other songs. The riffs are primarily the same as the track progresses, but nonetheless the guitar work is strongly passionate and stirring. Another interesting observation to point out is the fact that most of the tracks clock in at about three minutes. This may come as a surprise to the listener considering the fact that most hardcore bands are notorious for writing music that may only be a minute or two in length. However, Cancer Bats are not a conventional hardcore band. The listener will not be lost in a mess of songs that all sound the same. As I finished listening the album, my immediate thoughts is that, everything felt complete. I was not left high and dry, rather I was pleased with how Cancer Bats entered, and how they finished everything as well.
After steadily listening to this album a few times throughout the night, it is more then comprehensible as to how the Bats have quite literally “exploded” across the north border and into the states forming a reputation for themselves. They have effectively created a cult following that is on the heels of the band waiting to see them live, and may possibly already be itching to hear something new. Birthing The Giant is a nail biting gritty southern metal release that will leave the listener more than pleased.
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