Seizure Crypt

Under the Gun

Bad Elephant Productions 2009

The latest slab of Metallic hardcore from N.Y.'s Seizure Crypt is somewhat of a strange cat as each song incorporates off-the-wall antics within the framework of each composition.  The musical oddities begin with the "Spaghetti western" intro to the album opener where spoken vocals weave each song-title into a narrative of sorts.  Then a barrage of blinding hardcore rage erupts like a thousand fists to the sternum.  Up next is thrash mutation of The Last Icon where Seizure Crypt assails the media.  When you Die features some Voivod-esque metallic squeals that are disrupted by bizarre bass lines and an almost jazzy middle section.  Crazy Cat Lady has a sarcasm filled "meow" before launching into rabid hardcore which, true to form, bleeds into a walking bass guitar that strolls right though a stomping beat and psychedelic guitar lead.  Fight To Kill is more straightforward with a fiery tempo, angry screamed dueling vocals and even manages to have some thrash riffs sewn into the structure.  The album ends on a straight up hardcore note with Fuck Work.  Echoes of Sick of It All and Slapshot rush headlong into thrashing rhythm.  At 21 minutes in length, this uncanny odyssey is over before your brain has a chance to truly process all the weird tangents each song veers off into.  Though musically more talented and diverse Under the Gun can be a little hard to get into at times and thusly is not as strong as an "album" as Hello, My Name is....Madness.  Also there is a whimsical air of silliness that I could do without.  With all that said though, Seizure Crypt have proven they can grown and incorporate a lot of truly interesting and varied influences and styles into the album.  So from that angle this is a superior album to Seizure Crypt's debut.