M.O.D.
Devolution (Energy)
by Paul Lee
From the first crunch to the last mosh, M.O.D. hits hard and fast with their straight-up hardcore. Billy Milano (of S.O.D. fame) and his boys grind out straight ‘core that could well produce a perilous pit. M.O.D.’s newest monster is entitled Devolution (Energy Records) that has twelve tracks that are chock full ‘o maniacal fury.
When you get an M.O.D. creation like Devolution, it’s like getting a super-charged 457 from the heydays of the muscle cars. There’s no high-tech, cutting nothin’, just some hardcore that’s damaging and demented. But, Devolution ain’t no rehash of M.O.D. madness gone by. With three new psychos to back him up, Milano has released another roar to the faithful. They even manage to have fun with their tunes, at times finding that strange border between anger, cynicism, and riotousness.
Devolution has a few politically-oriented songs, “Land of the Free” and “Unhuman Race,” that are seriously pissed and roar the likes of Pantera or Pro-Pain. Also mixed into the bunch are two power packed ditties that are so fun that they alone contract the whole album. “Super Touch” is a driving classic complete with searing solos, machine gun double bass drumming, and rage-driven, foot to the floor vocals and over all feel.
The second ditty is “Rock Tonite,” complete with the Rock n’ Roll (mis)spelling of “tonight.” This is a party mosh frenzy of inane and repetitive lyrics filled with “Rock All Night” sentiments and Balls-to-the-Wall power. Strangely reminiscent of King Kobra, Kick Axe, Grim Reaper, Babylon A.D. and a zillion other cheese whiz mid-’80s bands (insert your closet favorite here), this is either: 1) an updated “Rock n’ Roll All Nite” that shalt unite stompers and rockers in a perfect world of partying mayhem or, 2) a bomb of a tune destined to perish in flames for making the nobly pretentious attempt.
For those of you who dig the bullshitless ‘core of the ’80s, then Devolution is your cup of nails. This is stuff to release those wound up aggressions while having an over-the-top-party. Ingest M.O.D. with a grain of humor and a lot of energy.
