Goaded
To Die Is Gian
By Lucky
(SugarBuzz Hollywood)
SugarBuzz Magazine
Video Shoot Photos By Dave Banks
All work and no play makes Lucky a dull boy. All work and no play makes Lucky a dull boy. All work and no play makes Lucky a dull boy. No, scratch that, it makes him just plain pissed off. Like salt to the wound is the constant wah wah wah of the woman and jerk offs in general. I have become a walking powder keg. What this man needs is to blast some hard loud ass music now. You fuckers can relate. Crank that bitch.
And today that bitch is the smoking hot new release from rock superstars Goaded. Top-notch is the quality of players and quality of material on this disc. Guitar mastery by none other than Tracy G, earth shattering bass assault by Larry “Bones” Dennison, skin salvations by Ray Luzier (he also on occasion supplies beats for a band called Korn), and volatile vocals from a man called Jason Witte.
Like a bash to the brain, this wake up call to rock reverberates shockwaves way beyond the epicenter. Don’t bother battening down the hatches as you shall be begging for mercy.
“Numb (No Highs No Lows)” instantly lets you know what’s in store as the instrumental assault makes the hairs stand up on the back of your neck. Then it’s full fucking steam ahead. Self submission to a lack of will, emanation of hate, no struggle against a horrid fate. Fight back man. A true testimony to Tracy’s shred.
Zombie like trudge propels onward in the form of “Watch the Empire Fall”. Images of caged release, exploding devices, and riots in the streets fill the senses as the oppressed don’t take it no more. Clenched fists in an I’m not going to take it any more approach. Harmonic filled riffs ensue as Dennison and Luzier lay it down right. Jason snarls and spews.
Past demons linger, bringing you to the bottom and perhaps one last chance at redemption scenarios “Trapped Alive”. Can you escape your private hell, or is all lost? Dark words of encouragement may reprieve.
Like Rock Candy on steroids, the masterful guitar riff that is enveloped within “In Greed You Trust” makes this track a favorite. Money hungry manipulation is your worst enemy. Tracy G’s blazing wail and technical genius is your best friend.
Unrelenting gashing with a bit of light forebears “Bury Me”. Disturbed and Sound Garden fans may rejoice as some similarities concur in approach and presentation. Be warned, not a copycat as new magic is conjured.
Hey where did the keyboard come from? Nice touch to the opening of title track “To Die Is Gain”. Mystic messages banish the fear of an afterlife. Let go and be reborn. Jason’s vocals shine. Restraint and power collide.
“The End of Lies” evolves around heroin use and the companion denial of someone in its depths. Those around are not fooled, step up or drop dead. Buzz saw sonic causes me to ponder what is in Tracy’s effect set up, as the sounds he creates are legendary.
Splatter bloody warriors approach with “As You Bleed”. This song I can relate to as I have been a front line solider in this war. Cocaine is Satan. I have seen it in action. Nothing good comes in the end. “One small line is all you need”. You’re fooling yourself.
If you are getting what I am saying, the imagery of this CD’s music is dark, but with a light at the end of each tunnel. If you make it so. Life force leaches beware as “Those You Use” expose and reveal. No sympathy for the devil here. Nice imitation vinyl wear in the intro and outro if you listen close, then digital dominates. Monstrous Montrose may be present to some listeners showing their age.
Another favorite I must say is “Dead Inside”. Not so blatant hooks will catch you off guard leaving you wondering just what hit you. Beware of those whom do not change. Jason’s lungs get a work out of gigantic proportion as Cornell gets a run for his money.
A melodic masterpiece of epic rendering is “Your Strength”. Showing just how masterful a lyricist Jason Witte can be, the story sinks to the soul. You are going to love this song no matter what you are into at this or any other time, it is that good. Lame ass radio play lists need this smash hit now!
“Broken Man” needs to trust in his friends to show the way. Here once again is the light at the end of the tunnel I told you about. Poignant prophesy proclaimed. “Say your prayers”.
Can you see the light?