Metal Moshing Mad

Coming into this album from first having listened to F.K.U's third and most recent studio album, "Where Moshers Dwell", I wasn't sure what to expect. Straightforward thrash, I assumed. My assumption was wrong. From the very start of this album, it had Stormtroopers of Death elements strewn throughout it. This isn't to say it's bad or even to say they were simply trying to rip-off S.O.D.'s style, it's simply saying that F.K.U. was OBVIOUSLY inspired by their sound.

Now onto the specifics. To be honest, with the title track, "Metal Moshing Mad", pounding out of my stereo speakers, I figured this would set the stage for the rest of the album, a hooky, thrash tribute to all things moshing if there ever was one. The next track, "Maniac", really kept this pace going. I was really enjoying both of these tracks as they kept to the standard thrash sound all the way through.Then out of fucking nowhere a jazzy little interlude, "Deutchland", begins. This is the beginning of the odd, S.O.D.-style, randomly placed tracks just added for a brief moment of comic relief or just for the hell of it.

From this point on, fast-paced, short songs with muffled bass lines and chunky (the best way I feel I can describe them) guitar riffs come trampling in. "Bus Bitch Die" would be a perfect example of where the inspiration from Scott Ian's riffing on "Speak English Or Die" is at full force. Hell, the main riff from "Bus Bitch Die" sounds almost identical to the main riff on "March of the S.O.D."! "Horror Metal Man" falls into this category as well, with a very catchy, groovy sort of feel to it. These thrashy, heavy, and sometimes (intentionally) comical tracks basically finish off the album with the exception of "Michael Myers Costume Party" and "Die Some More", which are both extremely enjoyable thrash tracks. Just in-your-face, aggressive songs who's style I think should have been much more prominent during the course of this album.

As far as lyrical content goes, it's certainly an odd assortment, ranging from moshing (obviously) to telling people who want you to cut your hair to fuck off. Can't say it's anything too original, but certainly nothing TOTALLY boring, but as mentioned, certainly odd.

All in all, this was an enjoyable album. Nothing too special, but nothing really boring or uninteresting, either. Definitely worth a listen if you're a fan of the whole S.O.D. sound and style, of which I happen to be. As mentioned, it is unfortunate the style of tracks like the title track, "Die Some More", and "Horror Metal Man" weren't the focal point of the album. I have not done any research into the album itself, so I can't say much about the history of it. However, I have a very strong assumption that it was done as a sort of homage to the members of Stormtroopers of Death, considering how similar it sounds in so many cases. So, for those who are fans S.O.D., give this a try. You'll probably like it unless you feel it's blatant plagiarism of their sound. If that's the case, it's best to leave this alone, but if you really want to hear some S.O.D.-style metal, just listen go listen S.O.D..