Fact: most people think that COC are the only noteworthy Southern rock/metal hybrids around. Another fact: most people are idiots. ALABAMA THUNDERPUSSY (from Virginia, not Alabama) has just released a killer slab of metal in the form of "Open Fire", and it's high time that these guys start getting some more attention.

Now while the name of the band may have the word "pussy" in it, these guys are anything but. "Open Fire" comes roaring in with opening track "The Cleansing" like an 18-wheeler crashing through anything in its path and never lets up from there. Guitarist Ryan Lake showcases serious chops behind a strong, meaty backbone of sound. However, the newest addition to the band is also this album's major attraction: vocalist Kyle Thomas. That guy can fucking wail with more conviction and grit than anyone on rock radio, that's for damn sure. His performance on "Words of a Dying Man" can make a believer out of anybody (there's also a video for this song on their MySpace page, which, inexplicably, features Ballsac "The Jaws of Death" from GWAR). And while the Southern attitude lends a significant hand in the hell-raising attitude of the band, it's not the focal point here. This is no-nonsense metal of the highest degree. But the beautiful thing about this album is ease of likeability it possesses. Melodic tracks like "The Beggar" should garner them followers from the mainstream rock crowd, and more raucous rockers like "Void of Harmony" and "None Shall Return" should easily get attention from the most hard-nosed metalheads. There just might be something for everybody.

Fans of COC, MONSTER MAGNET and HIGH ON FIRE should already have this. But the fact of the matter is this: ATP have proven with "Open Fire" that they have more authenticity than COC, more attitude than MONSTER MAGNET and more appeal than HIGH ON FIRE. Their working man ethic is highly infectious, and anyone who hears this is going to want to see these guys succeed. So if there's any justice in the world, "Open Fire" will propel ATP to the stardom they deserve.

- Cardona

OFFICIAL SITE: www.atprva.com

RELATED ITEMS: No related articles at this time.