Cherem - www.xcheremx.com
In The Land Of The Dead (released 2007)
New Eden Records - www.newedenrecords.com
What a disturbing cover to this CD, a monkey (or chimp) getting an injection in it's eye, by some handlers (doctors?) whose hands seem to be covered in the blood of the animal. If anything, it's a reminder of the on going cruelty to animals and the disrespect for the creatures that inhabit this world with us. Alright, enough of the preachy shite. Cherem (I believe the pronunciation is like carom) comes from the state of Utah, a strange place for a hardcore band with heavy crust and grind influences to spring up from... Or perhaps it is... The only exposure I have had about Utah is a friend whom is Mormon, a friend who has been to Park City, and the movie SLC Punk. Maybe I'm not as worldly as I previously thought? In any case, Cherem brings nine authorities tracks of tremblingly powerful grindcore/hardcore punk-ish rock. With deep and heavy bass lines, the band has a feel of metal to it in the guitar squelches that pop up occasionally, as well as the simple, but highly effective, drum beats. One cool thing throughout the disc are quips and quotes from apparent television news stories about violence and deplorable acts throughout the greater SLC area. I'm not sure how bad the area is around the Great Lake, but per these audio clips, it's disturbing to more than one citizen. The band rounds out the disc with a track that combines the talent of Naj One, a local rapper whose own release wasn't well received with this reviewer. This combination of rap and hardcore isn't a new idea, as there have been many combinations that have worked out some great songs. I suppose I have to give it up to Cherem and Naj One on this collaboration, it's actually pretty good. Maybe it's the hardcore backdrop for the rap, but it's pretty solid. One bit in the track that bothers me, is the "drug free till I die" chant. Aside from that, it's a solid track. All in all, a solid staggeringly powerful release from a hardcore trio, out of a seemingly quiet part of the States. Fans of dirty, dark and crusty hardcore will dig this. Bonus: the lyrics are each printed in the cover, along with an explanation of each track, with perhaps the best song/explanation belonging to "In Silence". have a read, it's rather important for some of you to rediscover the truth in hardcore. -MG |
