Review:

on 2007-07-26 SolitaryMan Said:

It would have been hard for any band to follow the underground praise SYL's previous album "City" had generated. Between Devin's dabbling with THREE other projects (not to mention producing for bands like Lamb of God, Soilwork, etc), he somehow found the time and motivation to pump out another Strapping album for the ever-growing fanbase. This self-titled release is nowhere near the overall masterstroke "City" was, and the changes in sound and style are the biggest reasons for that. Devin's songwriting prowess remains, and tracks like "Force Fed", "Last Minute" and "Bring On The Young" prove that in spades. But what happened here is the chaotic nature of "City" was held back, only showing up in minor spurts here and there. Overall this album is more clean, and I can see the reasoning; often times the heaviest and most enjoyable metal is simplistic, balls-to-the-wall kinda stuff, and everything from the production to the way Devin takes on the vocals reflects that idea. Not the best direction Devin's turned in, but somehow it still sounds great blasting from your car stereo while doing 90 down the highway. Somehow it still works.
Rating: 7/10