THE RED CHORD

I'm going to cut to the chase, lay it all out and just say that this is one bad-ass album. From the artwork, to the title down to the adrenalized tech/grind riffery; "Fed Through The Teeth Machine" is hands down one of 2009's most punishing and pummeling drops. Then again, this is THE RED CHORD, so was there any doubt in the first place?

A more stripped-down and focused take on the controlled, yet crazily caustic sound of "Prey For Eyes", "Fed Through The Teeth Machine" trumps its predecessor in terms of sheer ferocity and bulldozerish groove. Left the band's lone guitarist, Mike "Gunface" McKenzie takes more direct, yet no less destructive approach. One of the more innovative and interesting six-stringers to come out of the talent-rich Northeastern scene, Gunface shows strength in solitary by churning out a wide variety of riffage that ranges from frantic to fuckin' massive. By tossing in moments of melody, both off-kilter and tuneful, random shards of weirdness and lightning-fingered tech, Mr. McKenzie has piled everything killer about the previous three albums into a semi truck and was last seen speeding down the highway, crushing all the trendy little clown cars that were caught puttering along in his path. The unpredictable, yet fluid nature of his playing is the X-factor that makes this album such a cool listening experience. Along with drummer Brad Fickeisen and bassist Greg Weeks, these songwriters have crafted and intensely dynamic slab of extreme music. One thing that has always allowed THE RED CHORD to stand out is their ability to maintain complete control over the dynamics of their music. By pushing the more caustic parts to the limits of abrasiveness, the more 'easy-listening' sections of music are allowed to make a greater impact, and the trio accomplishes this superbly on "Fed Through The Teeth Machine".

THE RED CHORD's most famous resident, metal's poet laureate, Guy Kozowyk, towers over this sonic backdrop with yet another round of sardonic and spiteful barks, screams and bellows. His voice just as lethal a weapon as those possessed by his bandmates, Kozowyk lashes out at everything in earshot (and apparently Maniac Mansion…) with what could arguably be his best vocal performance to date. The vocal hooks he creates on "Hymns And Cripples Anthems", "Sleepless Nights In The Compound" and "Hour Of Rats" make for some of the disc's more unforgettable moments.

If there has been one band that has come along in recent years and kicked metal right in the ass, that band is THE RED CHORD. Always uncompromising, unhinged and unapologetic, these heavies deserve every accolade thrust upon them. On their latest endeavor, they've managed to streamline their sound in a way that doesn't sacrifice an ounce of integrity or aggression. Have THE RED CHORD hit their stride yet? Probably not, but you'd better be wearing your seatbelt when they do.