A Wilhelm Scream

Career Suicide

Written by: PP on 31/10/2007 04:34:11

How they've done it, I fail to comprehend. A Wilhelm Scream's third full length album "Career Suicide", a paradoxical title for an album that's almost definitely going to be their career masterpiece, takes a piss on both "Ruiner" and "Mute Print", a record that already today is considered a seminal piece of punk rock history. Already the first track "I Wipe My Ass With Showbiz" had me convinced, setting the album on a fire that refuses to be put out throughout the record, no matter what tools the critics are trying to use. There's no bullshit introduction, no slow buildup to the first song, or any other wankery you tend to see start off albums today. Placing the album onto your record player the first time is like materializing in front of a full speed freight train, that just blasts you into small pieces. It's as if the band wanted to screw a beginning, and start the album mid song.

"5 To 9" continues straight from the first track, upholding the insane speed and technicality, while at the same time adding a catchy chorus. By the end of the song you're out of breath, as listening to Pereira storm through the song is an overwhelming experience. The vocals, the instruments, the sound, everything is tight as fuck, leaving the track running you over without mercy. The band realizes this, and although "The Horse" starts even faster than the first two tracks, it quickly calms down to only high octane punk rock instead of the lightning speed we've been treated to so far. Catch your breath here, because much more is coming.

Next up is one of the best songs on the record, "Die While We're Young". Pereira has always had a bit of a talent in moving his voice up and down on his scream-yell range to add little nuances to his vocal lines, and this is especially evident on this song. Most other vocalists would be satisfied just using a monotonous scream throughout the song, but Pereira really shows how vocal harmonies work here. The same is true for "Jaws 3, People 0" (now that's an awesome song title, by the way!), where the clean backup vocals complement his aggressive yells nicely. The solo is awesome too. Similarly, the melodic chorus on "These Dead Streets" is something most bands should take note of. Everything from the tempo changes to the bass lines is sublime on the track.

"Get Mad, You Son Of A Bitch" is the most "Ruiner" resembling song on the record, drawing parallels to songs like "Me vs. Morrissey..". Tempo changes and melodic riffs are in an important role here as well. Though the guitars have a clean sound, they are still raw and aggressive, allowing for the ultra technical riffs to be heard crystal clear without loss of intensity.

And intensity is what there's a shitload on "Career Suicide". Literally every song on "Career Suicide" is hit material. Likewise, every song hits you with the kind of intensity you surely haven't experienced since the last Dillinger Escape Plan record. All instruments are equally much at the forefront: the drumming is amazing, the guitars at times unbelievable, and Robinson throws out some of the sweetest bass licks you've heard for a while on literally every song. And lets not forget Pereira's mind numbingly great in-your-face vocal performance... think of him as the Patrick Stump of hardcore vocalists.

By the time you reach the end of "We Built This City! (On Debts And Booze)", the final track on the album, you might feel sweaty, drained out and at a loss of energy. That's not surprising considering how you've just been through 13 tracks and 35 minutes of what is most likely the fastest music you'll ever experience. But at the same time, you leave the album as a happy punk rocker, having listened to one of the best records the genre has seen in the past few years.

9

Download: These Dead Streets, Die While We're Young, I Wipe My Ass With Showbiz
For the fans of: Propagandhi, Strike Anywhere, Good Riddance, Bad Religion
Listen: Myspace

Release date 09.10.2007
Nitro Records

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