TUNGSTEN
The Abuse (Self-released)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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After three self-released full-length CDs, Chalmette, Louisiana's Tungsten took a four year break from the recording business before releasing this 7-track EP. I have some of their earlier work, which is certainly good, hot metal, but the level of musicianship seems to have risen while they were off doing whatever they were doing. (My guess: practicing and probably gigging until they were very, very tight.) The power trio of Al Hodge (Vocals, Guitar), Steve Talamo (Bass, keyboards) and his brother, Mark Talamo (Drums) don't destroy the vibe of their music by attempting to showboat. Instead, they let the power of the chords and the root of the beat do the talking. And they'll let a lyrical hook trouble you. "I smile as I watch you burn cuz now it's my turn." Hmmm. Except for the a- typically pretty acoustic guitar picking underneath the raw power of "Now It's My Turn," it's delivered simply and with the impact of a good left hook. Oh, and by the way, "Who's Drinking With The Devil Tonight" kicks the shit out of everything I've heard on commercial metal radio in the past few months. It has explosive drumming, a memorable guitar hook, nosebleed speed, a smokin' vocal, starts and stops... all the ingredients of the best six minute metal songs, only this one delivers in 2:28. I call that a first round KO. Who the hell is manning the A&R desks at the metal labels these days?

[For purchasing info, go to www.tungstenmusic.com/.]

© 2001 - DJ Johnson