Terror - The Damned, The Shamed (Album)
A band called Terror could only be a heavy metal band, unless of course they are a folk band with a sensational grip of irony. But in the latter case, calling your album, The Damned, The Shamed would probably be pushing the joke a little too far. As it is, The Damned, The Shamed is a top class release from the LA heavy metal squad. In fact, my only gripe with this album is the title itself. The Damned part I get, but The Shamed? Sure, I am probably missing some no doubt incredibly famous historical meaning, but to me The Shamed conjures up images of having an ugly rash on your nose, or rocking up to work without your pants on, or even maybe rocking up to work with a rash on your pants. But I’m sorry it doesn’t say hardcore riffage to me. Fortunately, the album provides it, with some dueling guitar riff magic that would bring tears to any serious metalers eyes, and maybe even to a few of those nu-metal fans… if they still exist (and if you do- hang on guys because it will have a revival in about 6 years, along with baggy t-shirts and caps that say something other than John Deere).
Tracks like the opener Voice of the Damned, the instructive Crush What’s Weak, and the optimistic Suffer, to Return Harder, seethe with a driving rhythm section that is topped with some epic guitar work that, along with some excellent production, stands right out in front. There is no murky guitar sludge here, only guitars that are as prominent as the vocals, and they are really the star of the show. There are no songs over 3 minutes, and that’s just how we like it.
Top class metal release. Recommended.
