Much like the elusive eclipse, the gathering of Metal’s pedigree is often sparing. Coming together for their third outing we once again welcome back our noisy freakshow that is Venomous Concept. A conglomerate of Grindcore big hitters with half of Napalm Death in the form of the seemingly limitlessly busy Shane Embury, drummer Danny Herrera, bassist of Corrupt Moral Altar current touring Napalm guitarist John Cooke and finally Brutal Truth bruiser come cowboy Kevin Sharp.
[tracklist]
1. Rise
2. Busy With Your Debt
3. Anthem
4. Potters Ground
5. Human Waste
6. Leper Dog
7. Farm Boy
8. Head On A Stick
9. Pretend
10. Johnny Cheeseburger
11. Forever War
12. Good Times
13. Pretty On The Inside
14. Holiday In Switzerland
15. Fucked In Czech Republic
16. Neck Tie
17. Frontal Lobe Disorder
18. Day Care
19. Quazimodo
20. Burning Fatigue
21. Rocket Science
[/tracklist]
[details]
[length]49:00[/length]
[record_label]Season of Mist[/record_label]
[release_date]January 8th 2015[/release_date]
[/details]
Grindcore as a genre is one that thrives on instability. Set to explode at a moments notice, songs can vary from seconds to longer drawn out grooves where the band hit their stride. The fantastically titled Kick Me Silly VC III dips its toes in all personalities of the genre. Tracks like “Pretty On The Inside” will appeal to the more strap in and go grindcore types that pine for fifty second obliteration. Having always had a sense of the unhinged present on Kick Me Silly it’s well and truly alive. The tongue in cheek “Johnny Cheeseburger” named after their guitarist John Cooke coincidentally sounds exactly as you would expect. Though for those unfamiliar with the band thinking they might stepping into leftover Napalm Death territory couldn’t be further from the truth.
Brought together by the mutual love for classic Punk and Grind the band wear their hearts on their sleeves “Fucked In Czech Republic“, not referring to the unedited version Blythe’s recent trial,retains the sense of classic energy and most importantly anarchic attitude synonymous with the early Punk scene. Nevertheless the album isn’t all grip and go no holds barred rides, the ominous introduction of “Neck Tie” or “Farm Boy” brings to mind some of the more menacing sections experienced in later Napalm Death. The Mike Patton like snarl of Sharp makes an appearance on one of the groovier sections of Kick Me Silly’s “Frontal Lobe”. At times a little overwhelming, the attack of the band can be a little much but who are we kidding this is Grindcore.
Commanding his troupe of ruffians fantastically with various ranges that showcases just why he was so influential in Brutal Truth. “Potters Ground” for instance see’s the first example of the singers off centre clean vocal approach. Simultaneously somehow working with lower registers along with high babbling a makes for a great schizophrenic delivery. Despite each member having been in bands that are integral to the movement of grindcore looking at Venomous Concept as their own entity entirely, the band set themselves apart from their respective name tags. Of course as a placebo knowing the members’ background will no doubt influence opinion and perhaps lean towards certain sections. Beginning the album in typically unforgiving fashion “Rise” hardly relents yet when the groove kicking “Anthem” appears it shows just how varied the band can be whilst remaining true to their undisputable sound.
Acting as the silent passenger to Venomous Concept‘s most unpredictable and dangerous driving, the unhinged maniacal cackling of Sharp both decisive and deadly all the while still being playful and delightfully sputtering lunacy. A hold your nose and go affair the likes of “Head On A Stick” leave these madmen at the helm. Proving that despite their sporadic releases Venomous Concept are just as vicious and will be kicking fans silly all throughout 2016.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]Deciding to make an appearance in 2016 our Grindcore Demi gods return with an album that wears its heart on its sleeve. Bred on a diet of Punk and Grind and from a mutual love of the extreme Venomous Concept create a fly on the wall approach inviting everyone into their brilliant madness.[/why]
