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GOLLUM The Core
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Rotten Records
Rating: 9 Out Of 10
Reviewed by: Bam-Bam
 Well, one thing is for sure…on April 14th, some serious shit will hit the fan when N.C. Death Metal-Core Thrashers, GOLLUM see nationwide release with their Rotten Records debut, The Core. Not only is this album an amazing feat for a band to capture right out of the gates, but it’s even more amazing that they were able to carry through with the process after the tragic death of founding member/drummer Hunter Holland who passed right after laying down his drum tracks for The Core from a tragic heart failure. If that’s not enough to tear away at the fiber of any band, we don’t know what is…however, as Hunter would have wanted…the band carried forward and finished the record. What results is an incredible album full of hauntingly exotic Metal tunes and outright Death Metal bludgeon. The thing that makes them so exciting is the fact that each tune is a mini-epic story in and of itself. Take for example, “Ominous Winds”, a frightening track with angelic choir vocals seeping in and out of PINK FLOYD-ian riffs that crash into an undercurrent of full-on adrenaline that will scare the living shit out of you. Then, you’re welcomed into the world of insanity through deadly riffage on “Schadenfreude”. The tunes are common in attack, but their brutality is broken at times with nice, soft passages that contain strange harmonizing from church choirs or spoken word. It’s a really strange hybrid that works 100% for the band. The liner notes say that there are vocal contributions by LAMB OF GOD’s Randy Blythe, but they are not noted on individual songs, so I can’t really tell where he comes into play. However, throughout the entire effort, Holland’s drumming is rock-solid and very tasteful. He truly was a defining force behind this band.
The band chose to record in their hometown of North Carolina at Wilmington’s Umbilical Studios which is partly why you can feel an undiluted force coming from the entire effort…no reason to put their hair up in their own backyard, for sure! The brothers Stroehmer (Serge (bass) and Frank (guitar)) deliver great performances throughout as does screamer Shawn Corbett who, at times, takes on the sound of OBITUARY’s John Tardy and then immediately shifts gears to become Phillip Anselmo (check out “Diggin”). I fucking love these guys!!! Killer music, killer performances, and awesome production!!! Special mention goes out to the guys for keeping it real in the face of tragic death within the band and staying on the mark and finishing the effort as well. Word is that the band has recruited long-time friend, drummer Seth Long to continue forward. Let’s all wish them the best because the music and showmanship are awesome! And to our pal, Double-H…Rest In Peace, My Metal Brother!
Click HERE to order your copy, which will be available worldwide on April 14th. Very, Very Highly Recommended!!! |
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