Javelina - Beasts Among Sheep
Rating
RIYL
High On FireBison B.C.
Orange Goblin
Release Date
09/29/2009
Label
Translation LossTracklist
1. You're Going to Hate This2. A Little Paranoia
3. Towers of Silence
4. Stepchild
5. Arcadia
6. Black Lizard
7. The Nuclear Option
8. Beware the Wrath of the Patient Man
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A band like Javelina sounds right at home in these ears after a weekend spent enjoying the latest and greatest the genre has to offer at the Planet Caravan Festival. Playing a pleasant mix of sludge, doom and stoner rock, the group would have fit snugly between Orange Goblin, Bison B.C. and Zoroaster. In fact, throw those bands, High On Fire and a dash of Cursed into a food processor, and the thick, disgusting end-product would no doubt resemble something very similar to the monster that is Javelina’s new album Beasts Among Sheep.
The Philly-based quartet kicks off the album with the rollicking “You're Going to Hate This,” a track that showcases the faster side of the group's attack with a few noteworthy riffs here and there. “A Little Paranoia” sounds like more of the same until the band launches into a groove around halfway in that would make Electric Wizard smile with pride. “Towers of Silence” is the first track to showcase the group's sludgier side, plodding along behind the captivating riffing of guitarists Chubbrock and Mike B. “Stepchild” picks up the pace with a driving tempo and a Kyuss-esque solo that closes the track on a definitive high note.
The album's latter half follows a similar formula as the first, alternating between quicker tempos and groovier, riff-laden territory. Though on paper that may seem redundant, the group's energy and frequent changes in pace keep things from sounding overly derivative. Aside from following perhaps a little too closely in the footsteps of their idols, Javelina's main problem is their lack of a notable lead singer. Sure, they make due as many bands of their ilk do, but finding a dedicated vocalist would work wonders toward helping the group stand out in a genre becoming more crowded by the day.
A quick, dirty and to-the-point review seems appropriate for an album that shares the same qualities. There's no reason why Javelina shouldn't impress you at some level if any of the above groups float your boat. Though they're not quite there yet, the band holds the promise of doing bigger and better things in the metal world. For the time being, throw on Beasts Among Sheep, sit back with a bottle of Jack Daniels, and rock the fuck out.
--Matt Murphy
Comments
Ann Arbor, MI
I very much agree with this review it is a good album but this band still has some growing room.
DETH ROK!!!!