Impacting Radio

Civil Twilight – “Letters From the Sky” (Wind-Up) – Amazon MP3
Godsmack – “Cryin’ Like A Bitch” (Republic)
Lynam – “Porn Star” (Mascot/RED) – Amazon MP3
Megadeth – “The Right to Go Insane” (Roadrunner) – Amazon MP3
Nonpoint – “Miracle” (954/Rocket Science)
The following releases are now available:

Civil Twilight – “Letters From the Sky” (Wind-Up) – Amazon MP3
Godsmack – “Cryin’ Like A Bitch” (Republic)
Lynam – “Porn Star” (Mascot/RED) – Amazon MP3
Megadeth – “The Right to Go Insane” (Roadrunner) – Amazon MP3
Nonpoint – “Miracle” (954/Rocket Science)
SOiL – “The Lesser Man” (Bieler Bros.) – Amazon MP3

Album Releases

Karnivool – ‘Sound Awake‘ (SIN/RED) – Amazon MP3 – Listen
Story of the Year – ‘The Constant‘ (Epitaph) – Amazon MP3
Wide Eye Panic – ‘Modus Operandi‘ (Bieler Bros.) – Amazon MP3 – Listen

Crooked X – ‘Crooked X‘
Demon Hunter – ‘Live in Nashville‘
Hoobastank – ‘FOR(N)EVER‘
Sepultura – ‘A-Lex‘

Nural – ‘Entitlement‘
Seether – “Careless Whisper” (Digital Single)
The Fray – ‘The Fray‘
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus – ‘Lonely Road‘

Red [...]]]> January 13th, 2009

(hed)p.e. – ‘New World Orphans‘
Royal Bliss – ‘Life In-Between‘
Too Pure to Die – ‘Confess‘

January 27th, 2009

Crooked X – ‘Crooked X‘
Demon Hunter – ‘Live in Nashville‘
Hoobastank – ‘FOR(N)EVER‘
Sepultura – ‘A-Lex‘

February 3rd, 2009

Nural – ‘Entitlement‘
Seether – “Careless Whisper” (Digital Single)
The Fray – ‘The Fray‘
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus – ‘Lonely Road‘

February 10th, 2009

Red – ‘Innocence & Instinct‘
Thornley – ‘Tiny Pictures‘

February 17th, 2009

Decyfer Down – ‘Crash EP‘ (Digital Release)
Halfdown Thomas – ‘Beautifully Strange‘
Thursday – ‘Common Existence‘

February 24th, 2009

God Forbid – ‘Earthslbood‘
Lamb of God – ‘Wrath‘

March 3rd, 2009

Drowning Pool – ‘Loudest Common Denominator‘ (Live CD)
U2 – ‘No Line on the Horizon‘

March 10th, 2009

Chris Cornell – ‘Scream‘
Dope – ‘No Regrets‘
Julien-K – ‘Death to Analog‘
New Found Glory – ‘Not Without a Fight‘

March 17th, 2009

Static-X – ‘Cult of Static‘ via Reprise
Sum 41 – ‘All the Good Sh*t: 14 Solid Gold Hits, 2001-2008‘ (CD/DVD)

March 24th, 2009

Blue October – ‘Approaching Normal‘
Falling Up – ‘Fangs‘
Mastodon – ‘Crack the Skye‘
Motley Crue – ‘Crue Fest 2008‘ (DVD)
Papa Roach – ‘Metamorphosis‘
Pearl Jam – ‘Ten‘ (Re-Issue)

March 31st, 2009

Burn Halo – ‘Burn Halo‘
Filter – ‘The Very Best Things (1995-2008)‘
Our Lady Peace – ‘The Very Best of Our Lady Peace‘
Queensrÿche – ‘American Soldier‘

April 7th, 2009

FM Static – ‘Dear Diary‘
Hurt – ‘Goodbye to the Machine‘
Loaded – ‘Sick‘
Saving Abel – ‘18 Days Tour EP‘

April 14th, 2009

As I Lay Dying – ‘This is Who We Are‘ (3-disc DVD)
Fallzone – ‘Stronger‘
Silversun Pickups – ‘Swoon‘
The Last Vegas – ‘Whatever Gets You Off‘

April 21st, 2009

Burning Human – ‘Resurrection Through Fire‘
Chimaira – ‘The Infection‘
Fightstar – ‘Be Human‘
Jars of Clay – ‘The Long Fall Back to Earth‘
Kicking K8 – ‘Score‘
Lacuna Coil – ‘Shallow Life‘
Seventh Void – ‘Heaven is Gone‘
The Veer Union – ‘Against the Grain‘

April 28th, 2009

Endless Hallway – ‘Autonomy Games‘
Halestorm – ‘Halestorm‘
Heaven and Hell – ‘The Devil You Know‘

May 5th, 2009

Decyfer Down – ‘Crash‘
Hatebreed – ‘For the Lions‘
Madina Lake – ‘Attics to Eden‘

May 12th, 2009

Better Than Ezra – ‘Paper Empire‘
J.R. Richards – ‘A Beautiful End‘
Papercut Massacr – ‘If These Scars Cold Talk‘ (Digital Release)
Pop Evil – ‘Lipstick on the Mirror‘
Steadlur – ‘Steadlur‘
The Black Dahlia Murder – ‘Majesty‘ (DVD)

May 15th, 2009

Green Day – ‘21st Century Breakdown‘

May 19th, 2009

CKY – ‘Carver City‘
Drive A – ‘Loss of Desire‘
Hedley – ‘Never Too Late‘
Lenny Kravitz – ‘Let Love Rule‘ (Re-Release)

May 26th, 2009

Bury Your Dead – ‘It’s Nothing Personal‘
Charm City Devils – ‘Let’s Rock-N-Roll‘
Marilyn Manson – ‘The High End of Low‘ pe

June 2nd, 2009

311 – ‘Uplifter‘
Dave Matthews Band – ‘Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King‘
Eyes Set to Kill – ‘The World Outside‘
John Hampson – ‘Shiny New Album‘
People in Planes – ‘Gung Ho for Info‘
Rancid – ‘Let the Dominoes Fall‘
Taking Back Sunday – ‘New Again‘

June 9th, 2009

Ben Carroll (Ra guitarist) – ‘A Dream Between Two Fires‘
Ben Moody – ‘All For This‘
Chickenfoot – ‘Chickenfoot‘
Dredg – ‘The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion‘
Placebo – ‘Battle for the Sun‘
Ra – ‘Black Sheep‘
The Autumn Offering – ‘Requiem‘

June 16th, 2009

Everyday Sunday – ‘Best Night of Our Lives‘
Hawk Nelson – ‘Summer of 09 EP‘
High Flight Society – ‘Par Avion‘
Incubus – ‘Monuments and Melodies‘
Ryan Star – ‘Last Train Home EP‘

June 23rd, 2009

Cheap Trick – ‘The Latest‘
Craving Lucy – ‘Therapy‘
Darkest Hour – ‘The Eternal Return‘
Dream Theater – ‘Black Clouds & Silver Linings‘
Evans Blue – ‘Evans Blue‘
July For Kings – ‘Monochrome‘
Maylene and the Sons of Disaster – ‘III‘
The Mars Volta – ‘Octahedron‘
Papa Roach – ‘Naked and Fearless EP‘
Tonic – ‘A Casual Affair: The Best of Tonic‘
Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen – (Soundtrack)

June 30th, 2009

Hypnogaja – ‘Truth Decay‘
In This Moment – ‘The Dream: Ultraviolet Edition‘
Killswitch Engage – ‘Killswitch Engage‘
Rob Thomas – ‘Cradlesong‘ via Atlantic
The Black Crowes – ‘Warpaint Live’ (DVD)

July 7th, 2009

All Time Low – ‘Nothing Personal‘
Dommin – ‘Dommin EP‘
Marcy Playground – ‘Leaving Wonderland…in a Fit of Rage‘
Parabelle – ‘A Summit Borderline/A Drop Oceanic‘
Poison the Well – ‘Tropic Rot‘

July 14th, 2009

Adelitas Way – ‘Adelitas Way‘
Arkaea – ‘Years In The Darkness‘
August Burns Red – ‘Constellations‘
Clutch – ‘Strange Cousins From the West‘
Daughtry – ‘Leave This Town‘
Devildriver – ‘Pray For Villains‘
Project 86 – ‘Picket Fence Cartel‘
Sick Puppies – ‘Tripolar‘
The Killer And The Star – ‘The Killer And The Star‘

July 21st, 2009

Civil Twilight – ‘Civil Twilight‘
Four Year Strong – ‘Explains It All‘
He Is Legend – ‘It Hates You‘
Lovehammers – ‘Heavy Crown‘
Our Lady Peace – ‘Burn Burn‘
Sugar Ray – ‘Music for Cougars‘

July 28th, 2009

Divine Heresy – ‘Bringer Of Plagues‘

August 4th, 2009

Modest Mouse – ‘No One’s First and You’re Next EP‘
Rev Theory – ‘Acoustic Live from the Gibson Lounge‘
Tantric – ‘Mind Control‘

August 11th, 2009

After Midnight Project – ‘Let’s Build Something to Break‘
Cavo – ‘Bright Nights, Dark Days‘
David Hodges – ‘The Rising EP‘
Showbread – ‘The Fear of God‘
Thrice – ‘Beggars‘

August 14th, 2009

Joan Red – ‘Side Effects of You‘

August 18th, 2009

Gwar – ‘Lust in Space‘
Lynam – ‘Tragic City Symphony‘ (re-release)
Manic Drive – ‘Blue‘
Mute Math – ‘Armistice‘
Otep – ‘Smash the Control Machine‘
Resident Hero – ‘Look‘
Sister Hazel – ‘Release‘

August 25th, 2009

Abandon – ‘Searchlights‘
Collective Soul – ‘Rabbit‘
Jet – ‘Shaka Rock‘
Needtobreathe – ‘The Outsiders‘
Oh, Sleeper – ‘Son of the Morning‘
Skillet – ‘Awake‘
Smile Empty Soul – ‘Consciousness‘

September 1st, 2009

Anberlin – “True Faith (single)”
Burning Borders – ‘Yesterday’s Gone‘
Dirge Within – ‘Force Fed Lies‘
Social Code – ‘Rock N’ Roll‘

September 8th, 2009

3 Inches of Blood – ‘Here Waits Thy Doom‘
Echoes the Fall – ‘Bloodline‘
Lock 13 – ‘Inner Enemy‘
Saosin – ‘In Search of Solid Ground‘
Thousand Foot Krutch – ‘Welcome to the Masquerade‘
Thousand Foot Krutch – ‘Déjà Vu: The TFK Anthology‘
Threat Signal – ‘Vigilance‘

September 15th, 2009

Crossbreed – ‘KE 101‘
Every Time I Die – ‘New Junk Aesthetic‘
InMe – ‘Herald Moth‘
It Dies Today – ‘Lividity‘
Kittie – ‘In The Black‘
Megadeth – ‘Endgame‘
Porcupine Tree – ‘The Incident‘
Muse – ‘The Resistance‘
Shadows Fall – ‘Retribution‘
Skinlab – ‘The Scars Between Us‘
Something To Burn – ‘Transitions‘
The Black Dahlia Murder – ‘Deflorate‘
Thrice – ‘Beggars‘ (physical release)

September 22nd, 2009

Billy Talent – ‘III‘
Brand New – ‘Daisy‘
Five Finger Death Punch – ‘War is the Answer‘
Hawk Nelson – ‘Live Life Loud‘
Janus – ‘Red Right Return (re-release)‘
Mammal – ‘Majority‘
Monty Are I – ‘Break Through the Silence‘
Pearl Jam – ‘Backspacer‘
Pillar – ‘Confessions‘
Richard Marx – ‘Emotional Remains‘
Skindred – ‘Shark Bites and Dog Fights EP‘
Stellar Kart – ‘Everything is Different Now‘
The Letter Black – ‘Breaking the Silence EP‘
Three Days Grace – ‘Life Starts Now‘
Vertical Horizon – ‘Burning the Days‘

September 29th, 2009

AFI – ‘Crash Love‘
Alice In Chains – ‘Black Gives Way To Blue‘
Bowling For Soup – ‘Sorry For Partyin‘
Breaking Benjamin – ‘Dear Agony‘
Buckcherry – ‘Live and Loud 2009‘
Default – ‘Comes And Goes‘
Evergreen Terrace – ‘Almost Home‘
Foreigner – ‘Can’t Slow Down‘
Hatebreed – ‘Hatebreed‘
Hydrovibe – ‘Nothing Left to Lose‘
Kill Hannah – ‘Wake Up The Sleepers‘
Korn – ‘The Music of Korn‘ (three-disc box)
Like A Storm – ‘The End of the Beginning‘
LoveHateHero – ‘America Underwater‘
Lynyrd Skynyrd – ‘God & Guns‘
One Without – ‘Thought’s of a Scheduled Mind‘
Paramore – ‘Brand New Eyes
Prospect Hill – ‘Prospect Hill

October 6th, 2009

Armchair Cynics – ‘Starting Today’
Blessthefall – ‘Witness’
Everclear – ‘In a Different Light’
Mayday Parade – ‘Anywhere Buy Here’
Powerman 5000 – ‘Somewhere on the Other Side of Nowhere’
Relient K – ‘Forget And Not Slow Down’

October 13th, 2009

Bowling For Soup – ‘Sorry For Partyin‘
Dead By Sunrise – ‘Out of Ashes‘
Quietdrive – ‘Close Your Eyes EP‘

October 20th, 2009

Cartel – ‘Cycles‘
Gwen Stacy – ‘A Dialogue‘
Kutless – ‘It Is Well‘
Lo-Pro – ‘Letting Go‘
Pan.a.ce.a – ‘We The Broken‘
Rammstein – ‘Liebe Ist Für Alle Da‘
Soil – ‘Picture Perfect‘
Theory of a Deadman – ‘Scars & Souvenirs‘ (Deluxe Edition)

October 27th, 2009

36 Crazyfists – ‘Underneath a Northern Sky‘ (live DVD)
Atreyu – ‘Congregation of the Damned‘
Between The Buried And Me – ‘The Great Misdirect‘
Creed – ‘Full Circle‘
Destrophy – ‘Destrophy‘
Train – ‘Save Me San Francisco‘
Wolfmother – ‘Cosmic Egg‘

Overview: In May 2007 I attended a City Sleeps (R.I.P. L) show in Atlanta. Because I was so jived to see City Sleeps, I failed to check [...]]]> Posted: May 10th, 2009
Contributed By: Nick

	Purchase @ Amazon.com Release Date: May 12th, 2009 via Roadrunner
	Steadlur is: Philip Steadlur (Vocals) Tommy Steadlur (Guitar) Daniel Steadlur (Bass) Dallas Steadlur (Drums)

Overview: In May 2007 I attended a City Sleeps (R.I.P. L) show in Atlanta. Because I was so jived to see City Sleeps, I failed to check out the night’s opening bands in advance. So I’m standing backstage waiting for the direct support band to go on, and out of one of the green rooms came four scruffy long-haired dudes dressed in all white. They called themselves Steadlur and I couldn’t help but chuckle at their hokey get-up and unkempt hair-dos. But Steadlur hit the stage gunnin’, turning the crowd inside out and thoroughly impressing me. I remember turning to my friend Katherine about halfway through Steadlur’s set and declaring, “These guys are gonna get signed one day soon.” By Christmas time, Steadlur were officially added to the Roadrunner Records roster. The guys shipped off to Alabama to work on their debut with producer Jason Elgin (Haste, Lynam), completing twelve tracks for the effort. Steadlur’s self-titled first album is set to impact on May 12. Call your local rock station and request their first single “Bumpin’”.

The Good: Steadlur waste no time getting down to business, popping the tops and encouraging tops to come off with their take on the party rock revival. “Poison” ain’t nothin’ but a good time, giving you plenty to believe in after hearing the thunderous cut. Aptly titled, first single “Bumpin’” grooves on a thumping techno beat, growing progressively catchier with each listen. Steadlur wed Aaron Lewis’ lyrical concepts from Staind’s album ‘Break the Cycle‘ to the sugarcoated effervescence of Butch Walker and The All-American Rejects on “My Mom Hates Me”, a straightforward track that could come out of nowhere and become an anthem for angst-ridden pre-teens. To best enjoy the surging and hulky “Turn It Up” simply follow its command and let this peak-of-the-party romp take care of the rest. My pick for the second single, “It’s Too Late” is bustling and determined, and front-man Philip Steadlur’s proximity to both Stacy Jones of American Hi-Fi and Shim Moore of Sick Puppies is gleefully realized in full. “Whisky and Women” probably needs no explanation; however this tune is as attentive to dynamics as it is sleazy and uninhibited. The song sports my favorite lyric from ‘Steadlur‘, it reads “You keep your secrets from me/In a bottle under the sink.” Steadlur will shock you with “Angel (On The Wrong Side of Town)”, a ballad that is extremely well-executed and, thankfully, doesn’t ape on arena rock posturing. “Time” is solid from front to back, a healthy and balanced dose of equal parts atmospheric verses, stomping choruses, and reflective lyrics. “Suffocate” is emblazoned with deep harmonies and guttural melodies, armed with the record’s most searing, and awesome bridge. Arguably the ugly duckling of ‘Steadlur‘, “Suffocate” will steadily grow on you, becoming one of your favorites in time. No, “Barely Breathing” is not a Duncan Sheik cover- that woulda been cool eh?-but this kicking tune does more than enough to satisfy; Disciple fans will eat this shit up. ‘Steadlur‘ closes the curtains with “Change” a soaring, spirited, and whimsical ride through personal discovery that serves as Steadlur’s most passionate hour.

The Bad: There’s a good bit of good on ‘Steadlur‘ but there’s a good bit of bad too, which, at times, is really bad. From the top, “Bumpin’” certainly has enough momentum as a single to generate a buzz. However the track copycats fragments of Oleander’s song “Jimmy Shaker Day”, which are lazily masked by ho-hum call-and-response gang vocals that sound as tired as this all-too familiar rock chorus songwriting strategy has become in recent time. I was certainly impressed by how genuine the ballad “Angel (On The Wrong Side of Town)” turned out. I must admit though that the song often sounds like Steadlur took a b-side from the last Three Days Grace album and simply added some brushstrokes to the original design. The chorus of “Time” steals one from the book of Atreyu’s ‘The Curse’, specifically the chorus of “Right Side of the Bed”. I couldn’t even get through more than half a minute of “Livin’ a Lie”, an audio train-wreck of syrupy mid-tempo sluggishness and painful caterwauling from vocalist Dallas about the hardships of relationships; boy, sign me up for that one. For a band whose niche is carved from the “livin’ it up, not givin’ a fuck” rockstar life, I’m perplexed as to why a bulk of Steadlur’s lyrical themes are so downtrodden, most specifically in regards to the reoccurring parental bashing. I thought we had moved on from this but apparently Steadlur are hell-bent on bringing household rage back to the forefront. Call me old fashioned, but I don’t think I could ever, ever take stabs at my mother the way Steadlur do almost proudly; c’mon, it’s your mom man. In the big scheme of things, ‘Steadlur‘ just feels weird and somewhat rigid at times, an obvious distraction from the brouhaha core of Steadlur’s intent. There’s also too much going on, too many forays into other genres that not only sound unfamiliar but simply don’t make any sense.

Bottomline: I really, really expected Steadlur’s debut to be a walloping beast of a record, especially after witnessing their intense live show. But dammit this album disappoints and in a huge way. I didn’t like most of what I heard after two complete roundtrips but I let my denial reign and thought several more listens would shine some light through the clouds. Sadly, this has yet to happen, and I’m currently wading through my seventh spin of ‘Steadlur‘ hoping something will stick. However the only thing that seems to be stuck is Steadlur, the fouls of their own party.

TuneLab Rating: 3 out of 10

February 13th in Memphis, TN @ New Daisy Theatre
February 14th in Jackson, TN @ Tequila Joes
February 15th in Montgomery, AL @ Off the Wagon
February 16th in Atlanta, GA @ Smith’s Olde Bar
February [...]]]> Lynam have booked new dates for their “Operation Rock Tour” with Joan Red and Ashes of Soma. Confirmed dates are as follows:

February 13th in Memphis, TN @ New Daisy Theatre
February 14th in Jackson, TN @ Tequila Joes
February 15th in Montgomery, AL @ Off the Wagon
February 16th in Atlanta, GA @ Smith’s Olde Bar
February 17th in Savannah, GA @ Savannah Smiles
February 18th in Covington, GA @ Ozone
February 19th in Huntsville, AL @ Crossroads
February 20th in Birmingham, AL @ Zydeco
February 21st in Columbus, GA @ Soho’s
February 25th in Orlando, FL @ The Haven
February 26th in Columbus, GA @ Soho’s
February 27th in Tupelo, MS @ Good Time Charlies
February 28th in Prattville, AL @ The Blue Iguana
March 5th in Jackson, MI @ Hog’s Place
March 6th in Detroit, MI @ The Ritz
March 7th in Flint, MI @ The Machine Shop
March 8th in Toledo, OH @ The Pool Room
March 9th in Lansing, MI @ Small Planet
March 13th in Auburn Hills, MI @ Callahans
March 14th in Battle Creek, MI @ Planet Rock
March 15th in Michigan Center, MI @ Motorheads

The band will be on tour with One Less Reason from January 16th through January 26th when they will join Lynam and Ashes of Soma for the “Operation Rock Tour”. Check [...]]]> Joan Red have parted ways with Fuel Records which has delayed the release of their self-titled debut. The disc will be released independently in the spring.

The band will be on tour with One Less Reason from January 16th through January 26th when they will join Lynam and Ashes of Soma for the “Operation Rock Tour”. Check out all the dates here.

February 13th in Memphis, TN @ New Daisy Theatre
February 14th in Jackson, TN @ Tequila Joes
February 19th in Huntsville, AL @ Crossroads
February 20th in Birmingham, AL @ Zydeco
Joan Red will take part in the Operation Rock Tour with Lynam, Ashes of Soma and Absence of Concern in February. Current dates are as follows:

February 13th in Memphis, TN @ New Daisy Theatre
February 14th in Jackson, TN @ Tequila Joes
February 19th in Huntsville, AL @ Crossroads
February 20th in Birmingham, AL @ Zydeco
February 21st in Columbus, GA @ Soho’s
February 22nd in New Port Richey, FL @ Bourbon Street
February 25th in Orlando, FL @ The Haven
February 27th in Tupelo, MS @ Good Time Charlies
March 6th in Detroit, MI @ The Ritz

Additional dates will be announced shortly.

Overview: I’ve scoured the web searching for enough background on Tetanus for me to at least bullshit my way through a couple sentences here, but I [...]]]> Posted: September 1st, 2008
Contributed By: Nick

	Purchase @ Amazon.com Release Date: March 11, 2008 via Skiddco Music
	Tetanus is: Scott Hardin (Vocals / Guitar) Elliott Ives (Guitar) Grayson Grant (Bass) Teddy Thomas (Drums)

Overview: I’ve scoured the web searching for enough background on Tetanus for me to at least bullshit my way through a couple sentences here, but I could only round up 3 facts. Tetanus are a rock band, they are from Memphis, and they’re one of 3 bands currently signed to producer Skidd Mills’ Skiddco Music (alongside Absence of Concern and Saving Abel). Oh, and let’s not forget this Mr. Mills produced self-titled album of theirs that hit iTunes back in March. That’s Tetanus, baby.

The Good: You know what, you don’t even really need a big chunk of pre-emptive 411 on Tetanus anyways, because this ten track attack speaks for itself. Think back to Alice in Chains’ 1995 eponymous CD, and to the bright yellow case that held the three legged dog cover. Now, listen to lead off hitter “Swept Away” and tell me that song didn’t belong on that record. Grungy and sludgy with the first of many glimpses into the adaptability of front-man Scott Hardin’s pipes, “Swept Away” is flannel rock for 2008, done correctly. A threesome between Lynam, Silvertide and Black Stone Cherry would produce the completely throwback sound that screams from “Roll Like Rain”, a dirty little thing whose swingin’, cowbell infused chorus will have you moving in seconds. A slow, sensitive moment of soul searching, “Slow Decline” is buoyed by the deep respirations of its chorus, and given a bad attitude through the epic wizardry of its bridge. Tetanus bolt their Seattle “roots” for “Sinking Ship” and head to New York City, where Page Hamilton’s influence is there to greet them with open arms. Although the taste of Helmet is forfeited during the spacious and galactic choruses, Hamilton’s handy work reappears for the bridge; as odd as it sounds, the bridge of “Sinking Ship” is like Page Hamilton playing over top Jerry Cantrell, sans cacophony to boot. “Make It Look Easy” is a porcelain number that still upholds a layer of riffy sleaze overtop. One of the coolest pseudo-ballads I’ve heard in awhile, “Make It Look Easy” makes up for its lack of firepower with several pattern changes, astute attention to detail, and storybook lyrics. Drummer Teddy Thomas cranks open his hi-hats for the hulky “Blame On You”, a move that sharpens this already imposing blade. I give a lot of credit to “Swallow Me”, simply because the song tastefully succeeds in keeping you uncomfortable, hastily transitioning from hushed verses, to jagged pre’s, and on into the silky choruses without any type of forewarning. Really though, the best part of “Swallow Me” is just how well Hardin’s voice echoes Dave Grohl’s, not once sounding like it was a premeditated idea. Acoustic-driven and bursting with pizzazz, “Wouldn’t You” is folky and worry-free, imbued further through added percussion; it might be acoustic, but “Wouldn’t You” rocks a groove that I haven’t heard many bands of a similar ilk master. For a late-album pick me up, Tetanus smacks us around with the seething and pulsating “Let It Out”, which still carries on that locked-in sounding groove “Wouldn’t You” first exemplified. The jaunt highlights Hardin’s most pugnacious vocal work, as you can hear the gruffness in his voice. After dropping more than a few subtle hints to Down and Corrosion of Conformity throughout the course of nine tracks, I knew that “Shine On You” would bring them all full circle; sure enough, it does. Omnipotent, rousing, and undoubtedly racy, “Shine On You” puts a wrap on one mind-blowing debut album.

The Bad: The only thing holding ‘Tetanus‘ back from being a 10 is a little too much sandbagging in the heart of the record. Perhaps if there were one extra lively grunge-rocker thrown in the mix, then the middle portion of the album wouldn’t be nearly as depleting. This is easy to look past though, because even if one song lets you down, the one right after it or right before it is the safety net there to pick you up and toss you back in the fracas.

Bottomline: ‘Tetanus‘ is a jam, that’s the best way to sum it all up. And I’ll dare to say this-Tetanus is the first band I have heard that really, truly makes the grunge sound of yesteryear come back to life. And if grunge isn’t your bag, that’s no problem, because ‘Tetanus‘ runs a triathlon. They do grunge, they do throwback rock ‘n roll, and they do present day modern rock. It’s hard to fathom that this is Tetanus’ rookie record, because few bands with several albums under their belt would be able to rekindle multiple eras of rock as flawlessly as Tetanus have.

Rating: 9 out of 10