I don't usually do reviews that are not based on a live music experience or without some photos to back up the words. But I'll do it for the www to read and know.
I have had the wonderful experience of seeing Upon A Burning Body (https://www.facebook.com/uponaburningbody/) perform a few times. Definitely one of my favorites. Knowing they are from down the road in San Antonio and their mark on the metal scene, it is a pleasure to listen to and drop my opinion of their release 'Southern Hostility'. No, it's not a brand new release, but it is their newest.
So, lucky me. I was able to grab the limited release vinyl and get a copy of the disc. Well worth every damn dollar. Waited for the mailman to drop that shit off. Checked my camera EVERY DAY. I wasn't even home when it came in, but sent a neighbor over to grab the package when it was placed on my doorstep.
I got home, opened it up.Admired the simple statement of the cover artwork, pure UABB. It was righteous. Then I put that fine piece of aural abuse on full volume.
Danny, Ruben, and the guys have stepped up created one of their finest works to date. ABSOLUTELY stunning, gut punching, nut kicking, ear bleeding masterpiece. The opening track doesn't really set the tone for the rest of the album, but that son of a bitch gets your attention instantly. It is great and demands that you shut the fuck up and listen!
Listening to the album on repeat several times moved me past the "Fuck yeah!" fist and middle finger in the air feeling on the first go round. To shouting along to lyrics on the second and third time. Yelling and thrashing about so much in my house the dogs were scared shitless and went outside and wouldn't come back in.
Some where around the fourth listen something wonderful happened. I started hearing the music. The backing vocals. The choruses. I realized these boys from San Antonio didn't just put together another banger of an album. No, for fucks sake, they grew up. They just fully embraced the current sound and scene and made sure their music was still theirs, but knew how to stay absolutely relevant. Dare I say...mainstream. No! I am not saying radio airplay bullshit. But just simply, the music has moved to another level of badassery! I am not just talking about the legions of fans they have all over the world. I am saying this album easily moves them to a main stage. To crossing over a line where it's not just the long time fans listening, buying, and going to the shows. Southern Hostility has the sound, production, anger, and adrenaline producing ability to create smiles - show your teeth - to a wider and broader base of metal fans.
No. I didn't not critique the individual tracks on this album. I have just laid out for you a feeling it creates. Told you a story on how it made me feel. And simply explained to you....buy it, download it, and more importantly go to a show!
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