The Pitch: New York alt rock/post hardcore/sludge outfit Haan follow up their stellar EP with their first full length via Aqualamb Records. FFO: Clutch, Queens of the Stone Age, Fugazi
What I Like: The 90's was such a great era for the radio. Sure, there was still plenty of crap to go around, but it was really the last time you could find heavy, somewhat edgy music on the mainstream waves. A band like Haan could reign over the charts back then, instead of be relegated to niche obscurity. They would have been right at home with the Helmets, Quicksands, and Fugazis of the world. By the Grace of Blood and Guts is a collection of fierce, calculated hard rock songs dominated by aggro guitar hooks and bleak atmosphere. Chuck Berrett's vocals are both soulful and spine-chilling in their Clutch-meets-Danzig delivery, and Andrew Gottleib drums are positively destructive. Sprinkle in a few Queens of the Stone Age elements (especially on the oozing hypnotic sexuality of lead single "Hyena Moan") and you've got one of the best rock albums of the year.
Critiques: Damn fine stuff. From the concise songwriting to the memorable performances, I can’t think of anything pvertly negative to say. Somebody get these guys more marketing.
The Verdict: I like Clutch, but only at their heaviest. Haan is what Clutch would be if they were always in full “Burning Beard” mode And cross bred with Helmet. But comparisons aside, this album is a massive step forward from an already exciting debut EP. Haan are the band the radio desperately needs in the current zeitgeist of divisiveness and resentment. Let’s take them to the streets.
Flight's Fav's: Thy Tongues, Hyena Moan, Diminuendo
- Review by FlightOfIcarus
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