CHAIN REACTION really pushes it to be rapid, which is happening a lot with the Italian releases and with good results. Wild vocals and quick drum blasts are really prominent here, similarities to RAW POWER, yet lightning-paced and abrasive. Recording is off a bit, which hurts, but the energy is right on. Craveable.
CCM’s second release lays in with some intense energy; slow, pulsating openings that explode into raw uncompromising power. Sometimes fast, sometimes driving, still holding a biting edge. A very strong Italian release, one of the finer ones on the new Belfagor label.
CCM finally achieves their musical peak with this album, which often approaches the intensity of early GERMS — both musically and vocally. A few songs lack that total punch, but chilling numbers like “Feel Like” and the excellent title track make up for occasional weak points. Very, very good Italian HC.
Utterly frenzied, like most Italian bands DECLINO utilizes a guitar sound which is somewhat less full than the typical power-chord thrash approach. Song quality varies from cut to cut, but the best material (like the live version of “Vita”) shows the class of this distinctive outfit. Committed and often pleasing.
Eclectic and offbeat hard-driving punk. The Italian BUTTHOLE SURFERS? Definitely outside stuff without losing the power.
Jazzy punk with rock influences. I find this too distracting overall, but I think the more adventurous among you might like the variety of influences. Decent power, odd thrash.
From Italy with the potential to be viciously insane, PUTRID FEVER storms with a good musical selection and sharp guitars, but the recording is so mix-matched, it loses the flavor of what should really occur. Get PUTRID FEVER a good recording and look out!
