Scum Of The Earth. The name says it all. Let me give you a few short facts, and you'll pretty much understand this band. Scum Of The Earth is led by former Rob Zombie guitarist Riggs. It includes such noteworthy members as Powerman 5000's John Tempesta. Imagine what you think this album will sound like, and you're probably not far off. SOTE's debut is powerful, fist pumping, horror metal that sounds a lot like a Rob Zombie album, but better.
Why do I say better? Come on, the worst part of a Rob Zombie album is Mr. Zombie's vocal performance. Until "Educated Horses" I was convinced that Rob always had a stellar backing band, but was pretty much a one trick pony. Thank you RZ, for proving me wrong. SOTE have created a high energy album in the vein of Zombie related albums, including pulverizing guitars, interesting samples, and lyrics about sex, monstrosities and perversities, all set to some of the most catchy metal I've heard in a long time. The themes of this album are summed up by the first lyrics heard in the opening track. A 50's TV commercial voice informs you "teenage psychos - beautiful girls violated". Welcome to the world of Scum Of The Earth.
Riggs is obviously an excellent songwriter who has come into his own on this release. "Get Your Dead On" is a perfect example. The sparse but infectious verse leads into a wah-soaked bridge, and finally explodes into a head banging, shout along chorus. This is followed by the surprising "Little Spider", a horror metal ballad. It's creepy, it's unexpected and it's captivating. This track proves that while you can't help but compare this album to Riggs' previous work with Rob Zombie, he hasn't shown us every trick he's got up his sleeve yet.
I usually find sampling distracting, but SOTE has managed to integrate them in a way that truly adds to the song. The taunting, sexy sing-song of "I see the devil" that reoccurs in "Bloodsukinfreakshow" is a nearly genius addition. The song provides its own cheerleading squad, which succedes in making the listener want to scream along. The sampled sounds of Queen add a nice touch to "Pornstar Champion", a cover of "We Will Rock You" with Riggsified lyrics.
Scum Of The Earth has made a great debut. The band is preparing it's second full length for release soon, and I can't figure out how this excellent album slipped past 1340 at release time. Riggs shows his skills as a songwriter are branching out, and I am excited to see what SOTE offers on their next full length. Hopefully, more high energy horror rock to thrill and scare the masses.
Key tracks: "Bloodsukinfreakshow", "Altargirl13"
Reviewed by Jim McDonald |
