Cancer Bats: Searching For Zero

A sigh of relief is present when it's revealed via a band statement that there will be “No More Bull Shit…" Needing more hooks then their previous 2 albums combined, the initial grasp of hope is that Cancer Bats will leave no sensory function unturned and spat out.

'Satellites' teases with an intriguing back beat and punk infused chant, that you hope to hell is setting the scene for their claim. Then the drop. [Breathe] 

An all encompassing lift and shift into gear ensues, the split anger, confusion and sorrow from frontman Liam Cormier throwing everything into place. Connecting with notions that the majority will understand, Act 1 of this 10 track recording debuts with hooky riffs and choruses, dragging the body temperature to chills in 30 degree heat.

By 'True Zero's first riff and vicious intent, it's a closed deal for their back to basics attitude and matured musicianship, that layers so seamlessly without losing the edge that's craved. The switching of the rhythm patterns and the hulk of a bass sound, demonstrates and holds their aggressive intentions, while the perfect distortion supports the harmonics from Scott Middleton's low tuned, 6-string arsenal.

'Arsenic in TYOTS' has the toxicity associated with albums 2 and 3. Playing with undertones of Sabbath, the band coat hints of signature licks in razor wire and use them to tear open a new era. 'Beelzebub' is stoner rock with all the the solos, steel string wails and sludge you need to take it to an anthemic level, before hailing 'Devils Blood'. A track that rips into full hardcore punk speed, engulfing with that mastery of this Canadian combination. 

'Cursed With A Conscious' is a funk ridden wave that is as soothing as it is damning. 'All Hail' is unadulterated hardcore without giving an inch to any sub genre for 1:28. The screams, timing and brute force annihilate before the pogo inciting 'Buds' takes the floor with all its meat and desperation. The haunting 'Dusted' attacks the darker nights with insomnia friendly tones. 'No More Bullshit' signifying the end and a renewed direction from this seasoned hardcore collective. 

*****

Words by Kenada Quinlan

ALBUM DETAILS

AUS Release Date: 13 March 2015

Producer: Ross Robinson