Welcome to the Downside

Speak No Evil's sophomore effort speaks volumes against evil and injustice both on a personal and social level. Curtis Skeleton's impassioned and angry tirades encompass rap, grindcore, and the classic heavy metal howl of such old schoolers as David Coverdale and Ian Gillian. While Gill and Rio don't dare take a solo, they toss out aggressive riffs that are bolstered by the syncopated rhythm section of Frazier and Weiss. Speak No Evil's songs have substance, and though they often point the finger at those that torment them, the moral of the story centers on self-empowerment and the courage to stand true to your beliefs. "Lunatic" and "Pass the Power" offer a slight diversion from the relentless pounding with Middle Eastern intros and sudden shifts in dynamics. "Bring Your Body" has a funk metal groove worthy of Kid Rock and a few licks that would sit comfortable on Led Zeppelin's Physical Graffitti. On the surface, this disc sounds like a dark album with lyrics mired in grim reality, but if you peel away the layers of antagonistic bile there is light at the end of the tunnel.