Left for Dead

OK, for starters, some people will grape and piss and moan about an album if it doesn't sound exactly like a bands previous album for whatever reason. After reading some of the reviews for this album, I decided that its time a proper review be given, seeing that this album was recorded for the fans and not for any other reason. First off, "groove" is actually a euphemism for the word "Rythm". In other words, to be able to have groove, also confirms that you probably posess a decent sense of rythm. People for whatever reason feel that it is "trendy" to bash a thrash band which includes groove patterns into their music. Not sure why this has become a cliche for the cry-baby's, but I think that quite possbly based on the fact that maybe some of these people are so simple minded and obtuse that they cannot simply handle the diversity of a signature variance in a song structure. These are the same people who feel that technical metal, and great guitar solos are nothing more than...wankery! Well folks, I'm here to tell you all that if this analogy applies to you, then you are simply not understanding the relevance of the genre.

Thrash metal has always been a realm for the more technically proficient musician. Odd time signatures and shred laden guitar players are a dime-a-dozen within this genre. Some of the best drummers to ever strike a tom have also been conceived from Thrash Metal. Anyone who is able to maintain integrity for sticking to this style of music should be commended for their fortitude...and Laaz Rockit definately fit this bill.

Laaz Rockit's newest release...LEFT FOR DEAD, is a great album. It brings back the genesis of the bay area with the a twist of modern day production which makes it sound just as relevant as anything that's being released as of recent. Is it innovative or original, not really, but I don't think that was the intention of this band to release a trendsetting album. What Laaz essentially did is start right where they left off with the Nothing Sacred album and push the envelope in a slightly for extreme direction in every aspect. Better production, better drumming, more GROOVE, and more layers in the vocals. The result is a modern day thrash metal album that in my opinion is just as good if not better than the last Exodus, Death Angel or Overkill recording.

The guitar shredding on this album is stellar and I commend Aaron for persuading Phil to step back into the fold, its obvious that both of these guys have stayed busy with their axe's ever since the last Laaz album, since this is by far their most inspirational playing ever. Perhaps Ken Savich's disgustingly magnificent shred infested performance on Nothings Sacred lit a fire under their asses to maintain some sort of continuation with his brilliance...whatever it may be, its a good thing.

The drumming on this album is absolutely incredible and by far the best to ever be featured on a Laaz Rockit album. Dave Chavari was able to extend their sound slightly with his performance on Nothing Sacred, but on Left For Dead, Sky pretty much steals the show. Great drumming!

Lastly, the production. Well, Juan Ortega has my vote for the next Andy Sneap rival. This album sounds brilliant. I think that the bottom end is perfect, the bass lins are audible and the mix has a perfect balance. It'll be interesting to see what else Juan is coerced into producing and for who, in the next couple of years.

Once again, this is a great thrash album, some songs are certainly better than others, but none the less, this album is relevant and very enjoyable. If you don't get it...then go listen to Trivium or something like that.