Gloom Factory

Alright, infamous Christmas songs aside, the band has released yet another full length release that demands your attention. Gloom Factory is the second full length album by "Tearabyte", and it is definately a ride you would want to take.

If you are unfamiliar, the frontman, and mastermind of "Tearabyte" was originally a member of the punk act "G.G. Allen". Anyone familiar with that band has no clue just what they are getting themselves into here. The name of the game is thrash, and even Allen himself would be proud of the outcome. With wild lyrics that vary completely through the album, you will simply love this one.

After a rather lengthy introduction track, 'Gloom Factory', 'Doom Gloom' kicks in with some insane musical construction. The vocals aren't quite what you would expect, but do, in some weird way, go with the music as you listen to it a little more. And once you get use to everything, you are greeted with a sound you cringe to every time you attempt to log onto America On-Line every few seconds or so on the track 'Technophobic'.

Once you get past those annoying as hell sound effects, you continue through this thrash album at just about the same speed and intensity with amazing guitar riffs and controlled yet insane drum beats. But you will definately be hooked on 'Romper Stomper' and 'Emotional Distress'. However, the bonus track is something that will definately stand out. Literally.

After a rathe vulgar acoustic track, if you are still able to listen with a straight face, it just get's better with some live tracks, then some Christmas parody tracks near the end. This one, though completely out of place, will just make your day after such a serious album.

Tearabyte, a relatively new 3 piece thrash band coming out with their 3rd full length album on Screaming Ferret Wrecords. The inital thought I had when I heard this album was, "garage band" and that really hasn't changed much after quite a few listens.

Yes, the band plays competent thrash that has hints of Slayer, Overkill, Exodus etc. But there's also this Nevermore style guitar sound and the odd Nevermore-ish riff that they throw in there to try and stay "modern". With a mix like that you'd assume this band was set for greatness but the songs just aren't that good. The musicianship is competent, Jeff Owens is a solid drummer that could do with maybe adding some more fills, Kevin Mead plays guitar well enough, and Al Mead is a competent bassist while his voice is rather boring.

Doom Gloom is a decent song, has a Slayer vibe riff wise. The only thing is there isn't enough movement in the song, not really going anywhere or doing anything. The slow riff just before the chorus is rather boring, along with the stupid chorus, "Doom Gloom, Take it to the Tomb"? I don't think so. Along with the song Romper Stomper, which is an old school song about a very tough mosher, this is probably the best Tearabyte has to offer.

Everything else is the same, a mishmash of average riffs thrown together to make a song. Well, aside from their cover of Pink Floyd's Comfortably Numb, dear god it might be the worst cover I've ever heard... Even beats out many of Cradle of Filth's covers.

I can see Tearabyte as a decent opening band at a show but I can't see them as a headlining band that could go on to greatness, or even release an album worth $10.