Published on Apr 10, 2002
I like the harder side of metal and alternative music. I enjoy
listening to “Chop Suey” by System Of A Down or “Wait And Bleed” by
Slipknot. But you’d never catch me buying one of thier albums. Of
course, one exception to that rule is
The Height Of Callousness by Spineshank. If any of you read
my previous review of their first album,
Strictly Diesel, you’re probably scratching your heads
wondering why the change of heart.
Spineshank QUICKLY came into their own in the two-year haitus
between their first and second album, and I’ll admit I’m wildly
impressed by the sound they’ve delved for themselves. It’s just as
hard and as raunchy as their first album, but it’s clear they know
what their doing. There’s still a wide element of experimentation
evident in this album, but they’ve found thier base sound, and are
now interested in refining who they are, rather than trying to find
out who they are.
A few singles have wormed their way into the hearts of
underground music listeners, “Synthetic” and “New Disease” being
the officially released tracks. Videos for these songs were also
released, which certainly helped to boost the publicity, as these
videos were played constantly on stations such as MTV2 and MTV in
the States, and
Kerrang! and VH1 in Europe.
Lyrically, the songs are still fairly angsty, but along with
coming into their music, Spineshank also came into their lives. The
songs have more meaning than just pointless despair, and are also a
little more confident, giving the entire attitude of the album
enough extra momentum to keep you listening to it long after it
first entered your CD player.
If Spineshank continue on at this pace, their third installment
might even make the Rolling Stone top 40!