An evolution of metal, a new definition of doom
Sulaco | Chicago, IL | 04/24/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Similar to the last reviewer, I wasn't impressed by Rwake when I first listened. I heard about Rwake because I like a band that spawned from one of Rwake's previous members (Deadbird). When I listened to Rwake initially, I heard lots of screaming and some great guitar work. But isn't that like almost every metal band out there today? Then I listened more, and I listened closely.
I'm glad I gave them another chance. What I've found is a band that stands out in a genre of what can only be described as largely homogenous. Band after band spew out the same formula of stoner/metal/doom.
Rwake are often compared to Eyehategod, which is fair, but only upon first listen. Where Eyehategod is strictly punishing, both lyrically and sonically, Rwake lift you up high before crushing you. Their songs definitely have moments of melody that build nicely to setup the terrible moments, or to enhance their crescendos. Their lyrics cover topics like ghosts and cosmic destruction (this isn't necessarily unique...bands like Mastodon and High on Fire also cover subjects that are more fantasy-based...but it keeps them away from bands that are just screaming about vomit and piss and blood).
They have two singers, a man and a woman. What I thought was a man hitting higher-pitched screams, is actually the female lead singer. Her voice is like an instrument, like another guitar. The male lead singer has a great voice too, hitting the lows and reciting the more audible lyrics.
Every few years, a group comes along that keeps me interested in metal music. Sabbath in the 60s/70s, Metallica and Slayer back in the 80s, Mastodon, and now Rwake. Yes, I'd put them in that category, I think they're that good.
Of course, that's my opinion. But give them a shot. And if you think, "I've heard this before" or "lots of screaming, but where is this going?", then listen again. When I gave Rwake discs to my buddy, he had the same reaction as the last reviewer, and that I had initially. But he called me before the Rwake concert this month and said he's going, and that he can't stop listening to them.
Rwake have definitely elevated the genre.
"
Rwake is being honest with you!
Jason R. Hood | 04/12/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When I first listened to these guys I guess I wasn't really listening. At first I just heard a few riffs that I thought were pretty nasty, but so are so many bands these days. When I went back and listened again, I heard honestly coming through within their bleak southern fried doom laden wall of sound. It's easy to get lost in the shuffle these days with extreme metal. This isn't Buzzov-en, or Eyehategod. These guys don't come across dopesick. Instead, they come across as a WARNING that evil is abound. It's doom, but it isn't that same old formula that doom heads are use to. They have more going on within their formula. Their sound is dirty but it has melody. Epic is over used these days, but they definitely have a BIG sound with many dynamics. They are kinda flying under the radar, but in time this album will stand on its own as some of the best modern doom being put out right now. Calling it doom is being lazy. It's more forward thinking than I am describing. If your into underground music then you will "get" it. I don't know much about the band or pretend to be a good writer, I just know what I hear. Arkansas has something to be proud of!"
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1