Published on Jan 5, 2001
The Los Angeles metal scene used to mean Dokken, Ratt, Motley
Crue, Poison, Van Halen and a slew of other bands that made their
mark in the 80s. When Seattle hit, many automatically considered
the scene “dead” as record executives clawed at bands that sounded
close to Nirvana and Soundgarden and Pearl Jam. In retrospect, that
move made sense. Just as when Ratt broke out with “Round And Round”
and established the LA sound, executives saw dollar signs in their
eyes. You can’t really blame them.
But you also can’t help but wonder what became of the scene.
Sure, the scene has made some national waves with Korn, Fear
Factory, and Rage Against The Machine, among others. But what about
other bands, not yet on Ozzfest? What conditon is the scene in?
Having only been to LA in 1983 (on a family vacation when I was
12), I can’t reasonably say anything about the LA metal scene with
any degree of certainty. I live in Iowa, after all.
That disclaimer written, the hottest LA metal band has to be
Killingfield, whose
Year Of The Zero’s release is a very bright inferno of hope
that the scene will, one day, be back to the focus of this nation
when it comes to metal music.
After you purchase this CD, skip ahead to track 10, “What It
Is.” After a 1:49 soft introduction, the band launches into an
aggressive rant with drummer Brendan locking in tightly with
bassist Chan and guitarist Bebe. Vocalist Phil sounds closest to
Phil Anselmo in this track with a gruff, down your throat
delivery.
After you’ve survived that onslaught, go ahead and return to
“Full Throttle,” the lead-off track. Upon a mid-tempo guitar riff,
Brendan and Chan lock in while vocalist Phil sounds similar to a
Chino/Deftones sound. The beautiful aspect of this song is that it
breathes. It is not too fast which would rush the musicians into
delivering their parts; nor is it too slow which would bore the
listener. It is perfect.
As is the rest of this CD. There is not a single dud among the
11 tracks. It’s obvious the band is comfortable with its material.
It’s obvious the music rocks. It’s obvious I just gave you a new
item for your post-holiday wish list.