Since becoming one of the elite troop of rock cynics here at Peacedogman.com, I’ve been exposed to a lot of killer music that I would’ve never have gotten a chance to enjoy otherwise. Also, I’ve been exposed to (and enjoyed!) music that I probably would’ve passed over at the record store due to my own preconceived notions about the artist and/or genre. For these reasons, I will always be happy and proud of my association with the site. But with every haul, there is usually one disc that sounds like it’s the same band every time. Those angry, screaming vocals; those ridiculously triggered double bass drum patterns; those morse-code guitar riffs…could this be another gem from the Candlelight USA stable? Why yes, it is!

I don’t know why any label would sign a bunch of bands that sound EXACTLY the same, but kudos to Candlelight for sticking to their business plan. There are a few moments of experimentation on here that make OF GRAVES AND GODS somewhat different from the pack, but those portions are too few and far between. “That Which Comes Between Part 1” is a clean guitar piece with spooky samples and ambient sounds layered over the music. This is not anything particularly innovative (or interesting,) but worth mentioning in the context of the rest of the disc. “Kyrie” has weird synthesizer overdubs in the middle, which raised my eyebrow for a couple seconds, but the music soon settles back into business as usual. While I didn’t enjoy this record, I must give these guys kudos on the name of the album. “Slit Throat Andromeda” is a damn amusing title; definitely right up there in terms of badass nonsense that bands like this come up with.

If you’re jonesing for the next LAMB OF GOD or ARCH ENEMY release, this might quell your appetite for a few minutes.

- Broadbent

OFFICIAL SITE: myspace.com/ofgravesandgods

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