Scary Good!
Matthew B. Hunt | 09/17/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I found the following review that sums up the album perfectly!!!! Read on.....Matthew
Dearest fiends, today is the first time I've ever had the pleasure of introducing you to a Christian Horrorpunk band; yes, a Christian Horrorpunk band! The band of which I speak is called Grave Robber and they proudly hail from Indiana. My head is still swimming from the fact that they're a Christian band, not that it's that important, it's just so very odd to me. I grew up in a strict Southern Baptist home where there was little to no room for change and God forbid you think outside of the box with your worship. Music such as this was looked upon as blasphemous - we were actually told that the Christian Metal band Stryper was sent from the devil to infiltrate the young in Christ. This statement is one of the many things that crippled my faith but that's another story all together.
Grave Robber's first official full length album is entitled Be Afraid and by today's Horrorpunk standards, it's a phenomenal debut. Yes, the Misfits influences are running at full strength (think Graves era). However, GR does what few bands do - produce better music than their forefathers. You read that right, BETTER. All of the songs on this album are focused, well structured and the band actually thinks outside of the box lyrically. This in itself is magnificent because it's a totally different thought process behind the Horrorpunk genre. Then again, if you've not had Religion shoved down your throat you might be somewhat lost on the meaning behind some of the songs; but that's the point behind GR - to witness through their music.
Musically, GR leaves no stone unturned - elements of Thrash, Death and Heavy Metal are carefully sewn into every track. There's not a dud on the disc, every tune is laced with melody, fun and sincerity. The first tune with significant meaning to stand out is "Screams Of The Voiceless", as it speaks out against abortion. Although I have no thought on the matter whatsoever, I can appreciate the band touching on something so personal. Let's face it; music does influence people, good or bad, specifically our youth. "I Wanna Kill You Over And Over Again" is a Boo-Woppish ballad about accepting Jesus as your savior and leaving the "old" you behind - not something you'll hear or think of in this manner everyday is it? There are several other tracks that stand out amongst the heap - "Reanimator", "Burn Witch Burn" and "Army Of The Dead".
I applaud Graverobber, not only for their excellent musicianship, but for being strong enough in their faith to step out and do something that might not be welcomed on either side of the spectrum. It took guts, respect and love for themselves and their religion - gotta give it up for these reasons alone. You don't have to be religious to appreciate Be Afraid and no, you won't be brainwashed! However, you can expect to get your face rawked and come away feeling refreshed - you haven't spent the evening with the same old Horrorpunk band that couldn't write a song if it weren't for George Romero."
