May 8, 2006 | | 3

Scum, Gospels for the Sick

When I think of the term “supergroup,” I generally think of a group of well known artists coming together in one form to play the type of music that made them famous. The label has been thrown around much too much lately, especially on bands that are more side projects than anything else. Take Scum for example. Bringing together high profile artists from such groups as Amen, Emporer, Mindgrinder, and Turbonegro, the band has been tagged as another supergroup. The problem here is that this incarnation of Casey Chaos, Samoth, Faust and others don’t play music that is in the same vain for which they are known.

Scum plays a grimy, dirty style of punk with plenty of metal shoved down your throat for good measure. The result is a snotty, gutter-style barrage of angst unlike anything that you will hear from Emporer or Mindgrinder.

At any rate, this release from Scum is both politically and socially charged with intense, and sometimes, over the top lyrics. The music is played flawlessly — heavy, quick, and powerful. The vocal delivery from Chaos, sounds a bit forced at times, but overall it’s acceptable.

Protest Life Industrial static and a few distorted sound clips start the album off before the band kicks it in with a quick paced beat and driving riffs. The track has a decent chorus and nice rock vibe about half way through before speeding back up to the quick pace found in the beginning of the track. Nice way to start off the album.

Gospels for the Sick The title track starts off much darker and heavier than the previous track. This is one of the tracks on the album where I think a stronger presence on lead vocals would be quite an improvement and add more to the track. As intense as the lyrics are, the song could benefit from a more powerful vocal presence.

Throw Up on You A nice thick, punk baseline starts this one off before succumbing to the onslaught from the rest of the band. Musically it’s got a great vibe and flow to it.

Night of 1000 Deaths A dark riff and pounding drums start off “Night of 1000 Deaths.” It’s a crusty track full of distorted vocals and catchy choruses. This one ends quickly in a cacophony of chaos and reverb.

Truth Won’t Be Sold A definite black metal riff lays the ground work for a few sound clips and muted drumming before another dark riff joins in. This one is heavy with anti-Hollywood sentiment and anger.

Hate the Sane More industrial noise similar to the opening track can be found throughout this slower paced track. The lyrics are depressive and heavily pessimistic — which just adds another layer to the slower, deeper riffs.

Deathpunkscumfuck The shortest track on the album is also it’s crustiest (if that’s even a word). It’s quick paced and violent.

Road to Sufferage There’s a great beefy riff throughout this track. At this point in the album I’ve heard folks say that they are completely annoyed with Chaos’ delivery while others simply have gotten used to it. Either way, his delivery seems to be the breaking point for liking or disliking this release.

Backstabbers Go to Heaven I love the chugging riff and drum combo on this one. It keeps the momentum high and running hard. It’s got an old school Entombed vibe to it before the chorus kicks in.

Perfect Mistake The band saved the longest track for the last. It also has the album’s biggest sound and a more death style vocal delivery than any other track on the album. I’m not sure if it’s Mortiis that’s providing the guest vocals on this one or if it’s Chaos switching it up a bit. Either way it’s a great track.

The production on this one is perfect for the overall feel of the sound. It sounds low budget enough to add to the punk fused music the album holds. Not everyone is a fan of Chaos’ delivery on this one, but after a few listens it’s hard to picture any one filling in that spot. At any rate, if you are looking for a little variety in the otherwise clean sounding metal out right now, check out this crusty release.

Favorite Tracks:
Protest Life
Gospels for the Sick
Deathpunkscumfuck
Perfect Mistake

Additional Notes:
n/a