DIABOLICAL EXPLOITS “S/T”
This disc hit hard right from the start. The DIABOLICAL EXPLOITS show off some scorching East Bay punk rock in the spirit that only its late 80s and early 90s forebearers could possess. Building off a sound that LOOKOUT! Records made famous a short while back, these scene veterans have put together their own explosive mix of tart lyrics matched to blazing beats and sneering sentiments. Lead by Andy Ernst of the famed Art of Ears recording studio, the guitar laden charge is smacked around a few times by jumpy bass lines and all-encompassing group chants. Something tells me that kids all over the East Bay (and the rest of the nation) would probably eat this stuff up provided these guys matched their recorded energy on stage and toured often. There’s 16 tracks to wade through including the awesome SCREECHING WEASEL cover, “The Science of Myth.” A few ska styled anthems appear throughout this piece of work, which compliment the flow of energy well. Lyrically, DIABOLICAL EXPLOITS show strength when they aren’t trying too hard to be the next AFI or even NERVE AGENTS. For some reason, the dark imagery and overall spookiness falls a bit flat, as if it is coated on too thick in some parts, and left too ambiguous in others. Fortunately, these guys shine when the topics focus on more direct personal instances or relative subject matter (see “Hypocrisy” and “Cold Truth.”) Just like the other new Substandard release by THREE SUMMERS GONE, the artwork on this disc is beautiful, done by John Joh of Negative Image (and also the dude running Substandard!). Overall, this is a very solid, fun, complete release perfect for those times where screamy metalcore no longer fits my mood.
Substandard Records
