Thursday, October 9, 2008

SSS - Short Sharp Shock


SSS
Short Sharp Shock
Earache Records
7.5/10




Upon hearing the self-titled debut from S.S.S, listeners may be inclined to believe they’ve unearthed an old, unreleased Billy Milano record. The vocal similarities are uncanny, while the crossover-style riffs to be found here are reminiscent of what one would expect from either Method Of Destruction or Stormtroopers Of Death very early on.

A NYC tough guy attitude prevails during tracks like the abusive “Monster” and the bluntly provoking “Last Man Standing” that’s hard to ignore. But there’s also a real metal edge to what S.S.S is doing in comparison to other bands that wave the modern NYHC flag.

Check out the Kerry King-like solo during “New Dogs” or the blatantly metallic introduction to “The Answer Is Never” for proof that these guys are influenced by metal bands just as much as by acts like Gorilla Biscuits. Covering a lot of ground that’s often ignored in favor of more extreme turns, S.S.S. has the capacity to prime you for the pit, but the majority of sounds on this record are merely nostalgic.

Still, with most new acts going the way of Hatebreed sound-wise, it’s refreshing to hear a hardcore band that remembers to pay homage to the roots of the NYHC underground. Check the bonus track, “Black Night, White Light” for an excellent nod toward the genius of Cliff Burton and a much more thrash metal-oriented sound than you’ll hear on the rest of the entire record. S.S.S. might not be the most original band around, but its doing something completely different than most.

Along with labelmates Municipal Waste, S.S.S is fully prepared to restore the mosh pit to its proper glory - bruises, broken bones and bloody noses and all.


By: xkingofallcorex

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