Search - A Wilhelm Scream :: Career Suicide

A hardcore CD that is worth repeated listening

Michael W. Byrne | 10/25/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A Wilhelm Scream writes arguably the most complex songs, musically and lyrically, of any punk band. On "Career Suicide," their 3rd CD since changing their name from Smackin' Isaiah, the song "The Horse" alone has more than a dozen distinct parts, and features a metaphor extended to lengths one rarely sees outside of a literary journal.



But that doesn't mean they sacrifice melody or memorable lyrics. Just when you think they're about to fall off the cliff of musical cohesion, they'll break out a thundering four-chord progression and fire off lines that capture a feeling in an unforgettable way.



For returning fans, "These Mean Streets" and "Die While Were Young" are perhaps the most straightforward rock songs the band has ever recorded. "The Horse" (which features some of the best bass playing you'll hear anywhere), "Get Mad..." and "We Built This City! (On Debts and Booze)" are classic AWS tour de forces. And "5 to 9" and "Jaws 3, People 0" are two of their most experimental songs, featuring trademark unusual melodies and frequent time-signature shifts.



For those not familiar with A Wilhelm Scream, listening to them at first may be a bit jarring. If it's not two dischordant sections juxtaposed that surprise, it may be lines such as "Still I spill out razors from my bitter eyes."



But unlike few bands who play at their volume, A Wilhelm Scream holds up to multiple listenings. Thanks to quality prodution from the Blasting Room, this CD has more power in the guitars than their previous ones, which provides additional oomph to the art.



This CD is not for everyone. But if you're looking for something with maximum depth that maintains the power and attitude of punk rock, "Career Suicide" may be the best CD you purchase this year."

WOW

Michael A. Young | Thousand Oaks, CA | 10/11/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is rip roaring fast!! That's the best way to describe it! This band is clearly improving with each new album, yet they have stuck to their familiar sound, which is great! Their new bassist is killer! The recording quality is top notch, there are a few dual bass and guitar solo's where you can hear each instrument equally clear at the same time!



This is clearly one of the best albums of the year, maybe number one!"

Best record in 5 years

Mrs. Jodi S. Branch | sunshine coast aust | 06/08/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"where to start , relentless brutal attack of the senses no ifs or butts the best punk release for a long time amazing drumming unbelievable guitar work and mind blowing bass topped off with the best vocal attack since the likes of death by stereo truly inspiring from start to finish i've played in and listened to punk bands for 20 odd years and this make no mistake about it is the new benchmark set for other artists also seen them live last night and without a doubt the best live gig i have ever seen and thats a big call as i've seen so many has now been in my car stereo for months still not sick of it punk rock done right"