Beast on My Back (B.O.M.B.)

If you were well-submerged in the NY Underground Scene in the 80’s, ‘Beast On My Back’ (a.k.a. B.O.M.B.) by Crumbsuckers probably does ring a bell. The album cover does not feature any heavy metal artist’s work, but it’s just a photo of the band looking directly at you (as if they were saying ‘Listen to our stuff, then judge!’), what makes B.O.M.B. little appealing for anyone unaware of the band. As a matter of fact, B.O.M.B. is a challenge to anyone because of its content, if compared to ‘Life Of Dreams’, their debut full-length.

The nine-track effort spans 30+ minutes and is mainly based on metal-biased rhythms with little hints of their previous leaning for the crossover approach. The opening track starts with a piano passage before the band really kickstar the tune, which maybe surprised more than one who has listened to their first stuff. What follows is a parade of technical riffs in the metal mood with melody-based leadwork, spiced with lyrics about societal anguish. The music in B.O.M.B. can be considered as example of how crossover and metal can be fused together. The guitarwork is tight and crunchy while the bass-drums tandem, courtesy of Gary Meskil and Dan Richardson, provides a rhythmic formula many bands have tried at that time. The slower parts seem to be more focused and serene while the faster are somewhat acidic. In other words, the album may be less tiresome if consumed in small doses.

Most of the tracks are under the 4-minute range and feature Chris Notaro’s raspy vocals that are sometimes dreadful. Tracks like ‘Breakout’, ‘Charge’, ‘I Am He’, and the title track are fierce and somewhat interesting, but a couple of them can really generate a lasting impression. It seems the whole album is a display of technical musicianship rather than an inspired outcome. The instrumental cut ‘Initial Shock’ is entertaining (perhaps because of the absence of Notaro’s vocals) with melodious offerings by guitarists R. Koelber and C. Lenihan.

In spite of being the last document of the Crumbsuckers, B.O.M.B. is maybe the product the band is mostly known for. Fans of their first full-length were perhaps disappointed after listening to B.O.M.B., but one must recognize the fact tried to make some steps ahead. The songs are decent, even good at tearing your neighbors' ears apart, but get a regular grade in being catchy. Not that this collection of songs is not worth the bucks you hardly earned but that it’s the legacy of a band that is worth checking when it comes to the days of yore in the NY Underground Scene.