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Downthesun falls into a category with the likes of Slipknot, Mudvayne, American Headcharge, and Nothingface. Furious drums, meaty guitars, and two vocalist’s that are reminiscent of Corey Taylor (Slipknot/Stonesour) and Matt Holt (Nothingface). Not to mention GGGarth (Mudvayne, Rage Against The Machine) is at the helm producing these angry souls commonly known as “The Six“. What does this all mean? It all means this debut CD will be the cause of many broken bones!

“Medication” opens the album off with a bang. The drums hammer at a hard hitting pace as the band grooves along. Peltz and Satone trade off screams that reek of Taylor. The order to “Follow in my footsteps” are requested with the fury of fire. A stop and go track that beats you up bad, and this is only the first tune!

With “We All Die” I was momentarily shocked the first time I heard it. The opening riff was almost a carbon copy of a song performed by a Boston band named NOK. Nonetheless the track is a monster. Spain on the guitars is a bear, and the Kuk supplies the low end in a masterful fashion. The emotion from Satone and Peltz is unrelenting and the experience is simply like dieing to someone you hate.

“Enslaved” is where Downthesun goes a different way. There is to much synth on this track. The effect sounds like some dude dropping his goo…the whole track! Obnoxious and unwarranted. The music is beefy and could crush bodies alone. No need for the jizz sound effects. The vocals chant, and there is a neat Fear Factory like synth organ that fits! I just wish the sperm effect was obsolete!

“Pure American Filth” is Slipknot. Nothing original here.

You would swear Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins) was spreading his nasally vocals on this track. But he is not, instead the band goes for an obnoxious approach to the vocals. But it works to perfection! A very fast paced track, and the different vocals make for a unsteady listening experience. Each turn in the song has something new. Gigantic breakdowns and gang vocals make for a uniquely bruising monstrosity.

Although Downthesun is not doing anything earth shattering and new, they are tight, and can kick your ass. So that should be enough reason for you to mark October 1st on your calendar to buy it.

On the Derek Scale: 7.5 out of 10....it would have gotten a higher grade if not for the unwarranted electronics at some points. Sorry Church!