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Artist: Band: Bring the Knife
Album: Bring the Knife (EP)
Label: Independent Artist
Website: http://www.bringtheknife.com
Genre: Heavy Metal, Progressive Metal, Progressive Rock
Sounds Like: Metallica, Pantera, Cannibal Corpse
Technical Grade: 9/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 9/10
Commercial Value: 5/10
Overall Talent Level: 9/10
Songwriting Skills: 9/10
Performance Skill: 9/10
Best Songs: Thank you for Ripping us off , At the end of Days, FTFTFTFTFTFTFTFT
Weakness: None (10 Star ratings reserved for Full Length Releases only)
CD Review: Boston based4 piece metal band “Bring the Knife” release their latest 6 song self- titled EP entitled “Bring the Knife” (2011). Band consists of Duncan Johnson (Vocals), Pattie the Gimp and Zay Dohse, (guitar and bass) and Eman Pacheco (Drums).  

The EP kicks things off with “At the End of Days” an aggressive intro piece that launches you head first into the a-typical metalcore groove with its impressive apocalyptic prelude, driving rock rhythms and passionate vocals..Track 2 “Werewolf Xuckdown” dishes out guitar riffs that literally rip your head off, coupled with catchy chorus and solo guitar that will make your head spin. Track 3 “FTFTFTFTFTFTFTFT” dishes out more of the same metalcore attack but renders the strongest piece yet with its melodic vocal delivery and grand slam chorus from Johnson. As the CD slowly unfolds I can hear many different musical influences reminiscent of classic Metallica, Pantera, Cannibal Corpse, Black Sabbath, Puddle of Mud and even splashes of Korn and Disturbed. I would classify this music as vintage metalcore yet very hooky and melodic in nature. The sound is consistent, raw and in your face. This 6 piece song catalogue is very consistent, delivering impressive stops, starts, peaks and valleys and solid low end rhythm section punishment. The overall 4 piece sounds pretty tight, playing and composing their parts like a well-oiled machine. I like the vocal timber of Johnson’s voice. It’s appealing and pleasing to the ear, but it’s got the stereotypical jagged edge you would expect and has a lot of depth. He also mixes things up with his 3 prong vocal/scream/growl attack and is in the vein of James Hatfield (Metallica) and Stephen Pearcy (Ratt) and Ian Gillan (Deep Purple). Bring the Knife strikes the perfect balance between the sanity and insanity. From explosive “Viking Skull Thrust” to brilliant “Thank you for Ripping us off” to disturbing ”I Walk Through Flames Every Hour to Feel Free” to this EP pretty much has something for just about everyone. The EP ends with a clean version of Werewolf F$%DOWN (clean version) the perfect finale statement for an EP of this caliber.

It’s hard to find any noticeable weaknesses with this EP. Overall it’s pretty solid teaser of a release. The only real issue I can see is due to some of the excessive profanity (which I don't mind by the way) and obscure/winded song titles the EP is not as marketable as it would be say otherwise. Some of this alo affects the EP's overal commercial value as well. That and I normally deduct a start due to it being an EP. The Full Length release gives me the broader more complete snap-shot of what a band is capable of.  

Overall "Bring the Knife" does everything it's designed to do. It packs a powerful punch and clearly shows this band has got the goods. The timing is spot on, the songs, writing, lyrics, musicianship – all clearly first rate. Its strong suit - the amazing writing and playing abilities of this 4 piece. There isn’t a weak song on the catalogue. Metalcore fans will enjoy this EPD but it also appeals to those who enjoy melodic heavy rock. Like a heavyweight fighter this EP goes half the full 12 rounds delivering 6 amazing songs. They are consistent, raw and in your face. You want trouble – you found so “Bring the Knife.”  

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