SEVERED HEAD OF STATE is kind of like a hardcore punk "supergroup" containing members of RESIST, MASSKONTROLL, HIS HERO IS GONE, WORLD BURNS TO DEATH, and MEADOWLARK among others. No, it is not some bland, chaotic piece of political punk mashed together. These guys take elements from each of their cousins and forge a crust-filled hate sound that will leave you wanting to punch those annoying people that don't use their turn signal, and those bastardettes that try to sell cookies at your door. This is my first taste of SHOS, and believe me, their back catalog will be mine (insert evil laugh here)! I'm hearing classic punk sounds from some godfathers (DISCHARGE, EXPLOITED) and perhaps some hints of west coast punk rock 'n roll (similar to the GRANNIES and DIRTY POWER). At any rate, this a definite keeper; tight in the right places, and just raw enough to stick to your shoe. The guitar sound isn't limited to repetitive patterns, but it branches out into harmonies and solos that give it a deep edge. The production is good, the vocals are gruff, and the lyrics are dark as you may guess from the titles "Stand in Harm's Way", "Blood Of Vengeance" and "Not Fucking Dead", etc. Another triumph for Hardcore Holocaust.

- Murtaugh

OFFICIAL SITE: myspace.com/severedheadstate

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