Nerve Gas Tragedy
No Tomorrow
5.7
Synopsis:
The new band from three members of All Out War, but probably not as worthy of All Out War’s status yet.
Review:
When a band is formed from the ashes of a somewhat revered band, such as All Out War, the new band will always face comparisons to their former project, even if the new projects is a slight departure. While All Out War was, well an All Out Metallic War, Nerve Gas Tragedy isn’t quite as blistering in its metallic hardcore assault, but more of a Bay Area thrash based American Metal sound that has bits of hardcore and metal thrown in.
Though not a complete failure to the All Out War legacy, Nerve Gas Tragedy’s slightly stale song writing, Will Kummerer’s monotone bark, strange production as well as a non-commitment to one particular style hinders this otherwise solid release. It’s not until four tracks in for the title track that I’m remotely moved at all by Nerve Gas Tragedy’s take on their form of burly and superficially melodic thrashcore, “The River of Blood” follows suit but two tracks out of six is no way for an album to fully impress.
The second half of the album pretty much does the same as the first; competent chunky thrash metal with a slight hardcore lean. No real standouts or downers, just burly, gravelly metal that never elevates above mediocre and certainly no where near All Out War. “Disgraced” finally picks up the until now, restrained tempo and quality of the album, but the piecemeal acoustic “The Curse” is sheer filler and the sudden metalcore melodic jaunt of “The Feeling Persists” is a contrast to the album’s prior robotic pace and delivery.
Not a really a bad album at all, just not really a good one either, just one of those middle of the road, used CD bin fillers that might be good for a $5 spin or two, but certainly not worthy of All Out War’s lofty tomes.
