Greyhoundz

In 2001, Philippine alternative metal/rap-metal band Greyhoundz released their second album, Greyhoundz. As before, Greyhoundz unleash an aggressive onslaught of rap-inflected alternative metal, laid over a smoldering foundation of metal and hip-hop. The music of Greyhoundz is taut, menacing, and angst-ridden, as witnessed by the opening "Even," propelled by ferocious guitar riffs and vocalist Reg Rubio's volatile rapping, which alternates between clear enunciation and a guttural growl similar to that heard in Pantera. Greyhoundz owe much to the uncompromising alternative metal of Pantera, as well as the ferocity of rap-metal band Korn. The influence of alternative metal bands Crazy Town, Linkin Park, and Limp Bizkit is also heard. Greyhoundz's music is about fiery palettes of sound and the commingling of aggressive guitar and thuggish vocals. It can be a challenge to keep aggressive music from becoming redundant, and Greyhoundz keep most of the album fresh, but, unfortunately, the band repeats themselves on the fierce "Candyflip" and "Quicksand." The album contains 14 tracks, and without the two aforementioned tracks, the album would be tighter. The band pushes borders and even samples other styles, as heard on the bluesy and unstructured "Blues Juice" and the reggae backbeat on parts of "Bonfires and Sandcastles." The tender singing on parts of "Kristiane" and "Karmic?" is also welcome. Aside from "Blues Juice," these songs also contain harsh growls. The band avoids the misogynous lyrics that marred their 1999 debut album. While 2001's Greyhoundz contains songs that deal with women, the lyrics are rendered in an impressionist, heart-on-the-sleeve manner, notwithstanding the music's angry tone. The band also deals with such topics as alienation and loss of direction. Overall, Greyhoundz is a fine second effort.