Years ago, Dennis Bergeron and the folks at Monster Records would speculate about the prospect of working with new bands someday. I often wondered what sort of backwoodsy, guitar-mad, reptiles they could dig up (if such bands even existed anymore) to rival their spectacular re-releases of obscure killers like POOBAH, TRUTH AND JANEY and AMULET.

Well, the Monster has changed its name to Rockadrome, and delivered exactly what I’d been expecting. The debut by NC’s AUTOMAG is a headbanger’s wet dream. “Hellbound” features ten tracks ablaze with great riffs, gritty lyrics, and commanding guitar solos that combine modern crunch with late 70s panache. Frontman Quinn barks with the vocal venom of Hetfield circa ’87, while Paul McDermott’s riffs in “Ready to Ride” and “New Southern Outlaw” cut like a broken bottle, recalling everything from BLACKFOOT to COC.

For those that have wondered why metal bands fiddle with ‘the southern sound’, this AUTOMAG disc will set you straight. Hearing this band nail this style so perfectly is practically a religious experience. So if nothing’s really raised your pulse since Dime passed away, pick up “Hellbound” ASAP. This is authentic, gun-obsessed, whiskey drinkin’ metal and everyone you know needs a copy.

- Marchman

OFFICIAL SITE: myspace.com/automagband

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