Whenever Earsplit send through a promo its guaranteed to at the very least be intriguing, even if its not something I'd usually listen to. Spanning a wide range of genres and artists, many of which I've covered in my day job at The Sleeping Shaman, there'll always be something that'll peak my interest, case in point, Giant Spider.
A New York City and Long Island trio, the band are comprised of Bassist/Vocalist Richard Muller (Vise Massacre/The Last Crime/The Third Kind), Drummer James Baldassano (Show No Mercy/Hostile Intent) and Guitarist Tom Meehan (Morbid Curiosity/Summary Execution). I will have to confess my ignorance when it comes to all those aforementioned bands, meaning that I can approach this release free from any musical expectations and preconceived notions. This, the band's debut release was engineered by Taras Apuzzo (All Out War/The Third Kind), who also contributed a solo to one of the EP's two tracks 'Exit Plan', while the ever prolific and talented David Brenner (Gridfailure/Diminishing) directed the video to said track. As for the cover art by the band's very own Rich Muller, it hints at the band's love for “haunting horror and Science Fiction”, the kind of image you'd associate with pre CGI Horror/Sci-Fi movie making. Obviously at only two tracks there isn't a lot to get through music wise, but they say less is more so let's press on with the review shall we?
One of the EP's Bandcamp tags is Metallic Hardcore and that can sometimes bring for me a rush of dreary associations with groups such as Hatebreed, Sworn Enemy and their like as opposed to the more invigorating and frankly exciting Crossover scene of the 1980's. Thankfully 'Exit Plan' proves itself to be far more interesting with its tight blend of Melodic Black Metal and serious Motörhead Biker Rock/Metal laden attitude. I'm not quite so sure about the Hardcore connection here (I am aware its a broad church of course), but for me the track has more in common with the likes of Darkthrone when they went through their dirty Crust-Punk phase. I mean parts of the video were filmed in a graveyard for christ sakes! It's pretty darn catchy, so much so that I had the main hook embedded in my brain for several hours after. So good and one hell of a punch to the face. '3 Moons' has some really awesome crunchy riffage, kinda what Metallica might have cooked up Ride the Lightning era before they started playing bad Ted Nugent inspired Boogie Rock and throwing Rock star tantrums (as documented in Some Kind of Monster). New York Hardcore, (or NYHC as its popularly known) influences are a little more obvious here with some truly moshworthy moments, though I pray its not of the cringy kung-fu variety. Musically it recalls Killing Time and their stupendous debut Brightside and this absolutely pleases me no end seeing as that band have never really reaped the benefits and rewards that other less deserving contemporaries did. Musically once again it proves that Giant Spider have the ability to be crushing but strangely accessible at the same time. A belting track with which to conclude the EP.
Despite not being the biggest Metalhead in the world and as someone with a very specific love of Hardcore from a certain time period (1980 – 1997, or thereabouts), Giant Spider nevertheless impressed me with their effortless knack for knocking out catchy hook-laden tunes to a kickass and brutal beat. A promising start which offers up a real incentive to check out future efforts. Recommended.
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