Incite – Up In Hell

I wasn’t familiar with Incite until I was handed this review; and that was my fault. I wish I knew of these guys before. The Arizona based groove metal band Incite will smash your face in with their third offering, “Up In Hell”.

This is pure groove metal: a nice bass guitar carrying the songs, tight drums, aggressive vocals, a peppering of thrash and well-constructed breakdowns. I play bass in a groove metal band, so it’s neat to hear how the genre is being carried stateside.

Incite have toured alongside the likes of Dillinger Escape Plan, Soulfly, Throwdown, Cavalera Conspiracy, and rightfully have received a lot of critical praise. The idea behind “Up In Hell” is summed up by Vocalist Richie Cavalera, “We live Up In Hell nowadays. The world is getting crazier all the time. Nothing seems like it’s getting better. I felt like the song and the title perfectly encapsulated these days. We’re all on our own, and we have to survive.”

The production of the record is top notch; everything sounds nice and heavy without being “too much” or simply a wall of noise (I can’t stand that in modern metal). Producer Matt Hyde has done seriously great work here. He captured the feeling of a band that knows who and what they are. The essential element with groove metal is that the band gels and these guys have that down. Nowhere is that more clear than the stellar rhythm section.

Every song has a cutting edge and a message that will stick with you after their metallic assault is over. These guys are a band with a message. A message that they deliver in a no bullshit manner. I respect that they tackle themes rooted in the vast socio-political issues of today. That lends them a very fresh take on the groove metal genre. Groove metal can often shy away from these lyrical themes.  Nothing sums this up more than “False Flag” which examines government conspiracies. This is a pumping testament to the band’s sound.

“Rightful Spot” slows things a little; which allows the vocals of the Cavalera to shine as he duels with Liam Cormier of Cancer Bats and Axewound. Great tune! “Rise to Greatness” continues the atmosphere created by “Rightful Spot”; these tracks side by side are very 2006 Hatebreed. They’re extremely aggressive and gloriously heavy.

The title track “Up In Hell” is a straight to the point opener. This one profiles the thrash influences on the bands. This is to be expected but it’s always nice to hear elements of thrash without it being a pillar of a groove metal band.  Case in point, the opening riff from “Still Here”.

There is little doubt why Incite have the reputation as on one of the most formidable and fresh forces in heavy metal. I can’t recommend this enough. Every member of the band is on form here. The new additions to Incite’s line up (Bass player Christopher “EL” and drummer Lennon Lopez) are outstanding. In fact, this new rhythm section is a real strong point for the band.

“Up In Hell” is a record for metal fans, with enough there for everyone. Incite have won me over on the first listen and they will for you too. Get this album when it is released in a few days.

“Up In Hell” is out on the 2^nd of September via minus HEAD Records.

Tracks:

1. Up In Hell
2. WTF
3. False Flag
4. Fallen
5. Rightful Spot (feat. Liam Cormier of Cancer Bats)
6. Rise to Greatness
7. Who Am I
8. Still Here
9. Losing Grip
10. To the Depths

Incite are:

Richie Cavalera – Vocals 

Kevin “Dis” McAllister – Rhythm Guitar 

Derek Lennon Lopez – Drums 

Christpher “EL” Canella – Bass  

Dru “tang” Rome – Lead Guitar 

Links:

http://inciteaod.com/

twitter.com/INCITEband

www.facebook.com/INCITEband