Search - Animal :: Violent New Breed

What an improvement over their debut

Allister Fiend | Baltimore, MD United States | 09/14/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a big fan of old-school WASP and an avid early-80's metal fan in general, so when ANIMAL put out their first CD (900 lb Steam), I was quick to pick it up. That album was literally one of the worst-produced albums I've ever heard. Ever been to a club watching a show and then walked outside the venue? You know how you can hear the music thru the walls and it just sounds like bass-y mush? That's about what 900 lb Steam sounded like. Horrible.



I was disappointed, because I would have thought that one of WASP's founding members could put together something much better. Heck, these days, with recording software for a Mac or pc so affordable and easy to use, it's amazing that something could sound this bad.



In fact, that's how new ANIMAL guitarist/co-writer Chris Laney got into the band. He apparently heard 900 lb Steam, thought it sounded awful, and offered to re-mix the disc for free. Fast forward a few years and Laney is now in the band, co-writing most of the songs, and producing the new disc "Violent New Breed."



I never would have picked this up had I not heard a few samples of the tunes on myspace. I couldn't believe my ears. The songs were really good and the production is fantastic. These songs sound like a mix of The Last Command and the first WASP album. What's really freaky is lead vocalist Rich Lewis. He sounds EXACTLY like Blackie Lawless.



This disc is considerably better than any of the recent WASP albums. If there had been an album between WASP's 1st and The Last Command, it would have been Violent New Breed. If you like old-school WASP, this really is a great disc (and even worth a few extra bucks as an import)."

Best I've heard in a long time!!!!

Mandy D | Jacksonville, Fl USA | 06/20/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I listened to the the promo copy before it was released, this is an awesome cd with some of the best new music I have heard. Everyone that loves metal should add this to their collection! Randy Piper is Back and with him he brings only the best,long time friends Jackie Livengood, Rich Lewis, and Chris Laney.For more info on this Brutal New Release visit animalcave.net or myspace.com keyword animal."

Now This Is Rock!!!

C. Hunt | grantville pa | 04/12/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"wow,what a difference hiring a new producer can make!!

if anyone listened to 'Animal's release before this one '900 lb steam' you would think it's a totally different band

this CD rocks from start to finish and it's in your face with crisp clear metal sound!

I really like all the songs but the ones that stand out are 'Morning After' 'Turn And Walk Away','Hellchild','Salt' but most of all the amazing title track 'Violent New Breed'

this sounds like what W.A.S.P could have been had Blackie not decided to go into concept land

many of the songs sound similar to W.A.S.P (the singer can definitely sound like Blackie when he wants to) but surprisingly on most of the tunes they sound more like newer Black Sabbath (a good thing)

this is a great CD for fans of old school metal



the upside - awesome production,great songs,in your face solos and vocals



the downside - I wish the songs were a bit more memorable,but that will come,I'm sure



the bottom line - if these guys stay together,they will be a major force to be reckoned with,this CD rocks with the best of their peers,I highly recommend it...donutman says so!!!"