Search - Sons of Freedom :: Sons of Freedom

Let 'em howl

Roy Pearl | Vancouver, BC | 06/23/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Superimposed over a snarling dog on this album's cover are the words "never retract, never retreat, never apologize, just get the thing done and let them howl", and it's as much a statement of purpose for the band as advice to the listener. Sons of Freedom's thick, oppressive rock was heavier than metal, yet cleaner than the grunge revolution it preceded by mere months. Jim Newton's borderline whine stood in front of guitarist Don Harrison's bullying wall of volume and the sledgehammer throb of the rhythm section, all made even more intimidating by Matt Wallace's clear-eyed production. Neanderthal opener "Super Cool Wagon" is followed by the pounding "The Criminal", and from there on in the album doesn't let up until the six-minute-plus closing sludgefest of "Alice Henderson". A lost, minor classic."