Led To The Grave – “Bane Of Existence”
I knew Led To The Grave was one of the first bands on TNB and doing my research, I found out Andy Bang put a profile of the band, in June 2011- one month after we went on-line. So, if they are not the first metal band we wrote about, at least, amongst the first.
And another question? How many of the metal bands, that we covered at that time, are still around?
I have no answers to that- but without question, I would pick this band, and Andy would, too- as one of our favorite metal bands during our six years alive in the internet.
And they’re from the vital Cape Cod scene. I do remember this band was the first to expose us to that scene. After we, inadvertently, exposed ourselves to them (it’s a long story.) We learned what a tight-knit, fun lovin’, hard drinkin’ crew they were and they still contain some of the best bands and some of my favorite people, as well.
On the Cape, with virtually no place to play, the bands make do with underground shows- so metal, punk and hardcore bands all play the same shows together and share members, too. Much as Andy and I share our members (but that’s another long story as well.)
Anyways, Led To The Grave is a kick ass, take-no-prisoners, thrash/death metal music band with death vocals and some traditional metal influence as well- now with a strong, new grindcore influence, too.
Though, I see this as their most adventuresome recording, it loses none of the energy, power and fury of their previous works.
It seems “bane” actually means, distress or annoyance but this album makes my existence enjoyable.
Let’s venture in:
“As I Cut” slices like a buzzsaw with hardcore/Slayer like speed and jerky, stop and go rhythms much like Devo. Gruff death vocals are sometimes chorused with high black metal ones while squeal-y guitar notes keep poppin’ in. An odd time signature like fifteen/eight is happening but the rock hard groove is more ominous than high falutin’. There’s some dual, harmonic guitar lines, a short but sprite-ly, effective solo while the rhythm jumps into hardcore speed. With the guitar trilling to end a thrilling opening…cut.
“Martyr” starts like a Bo Didley beat on meth, or a metal samba, or maybe Bo Didley covering Sepultura? This jumping, almost Spanish rhythm romps along as squeal-y notes spark and forbidding, death vocals growl above it. That is until trilling guitars introduce a minor key chorus that almost sound like a death metal version of a traditional Italian song. This song grooves and punches along ending with a flamenco like solo. My description of the song sounds real shitty to me but the song itself is unique and sounds superb.
“Better Of Dead” starts off with some tightrope walking staccato guitar lines that resolve into a thrashin’ mosh pit rhythm. “When will it end? Better off dead.” A despairing mood hangs over this song with its exciting, hyperactive guitars and poly-rhythmic drums. A concise, but great solo with harmonic dual leads descend in. Maybe not as good as the early Boston punk classic with the same name by La Peste (Andy’s all time favorite local song) but a worthy companion to it, one that Andy head-Bang-er will love.
My favorite song, “Vultures” erupts with a guitar lick that suggests we’re going to go smash straight into a Motorhead tune. There’s a very fast pulse with hardcore/death vocals igniting fury in this song. Guitars keep thrashin’ away with an over-caffeinated lick that keeps escalating. This song is a full power, top speed bombardment, with rip roaring emotion and passion exploding over the top. Blazing out with a nice, instruemental part and a scorching solo.
Starting out as an almost traditional metal song, “Nail In The Coffin” moves forwards with guttural vocals ending with some Sabbath power chords that set up a great, headbangin rhythmic groove. This song doesn’t let up on the intensity and towards the end kicks into second drive with the drums doing double time and the guitars flaying away. Awesome tune and great, powerful playing that is par the course for this great album.
I do proclaim this to be the best local metal album of 2018.
So yeah, you have a good point there. This is the only local metal album of 2018 that I’ve listened to.
But then you’re going on the assumption that there will other metal albums released in the year. This could be the only one.
Most likely not, but I’m confident in saying that by the end of the year, this will stand as one of the best local metal albums of 2018.
Wanna bet?
(Slimedog)
