RAMzine Issue 5 | Page 18

Reviews Silent Jack Days of Collapse Annihilator Pigs Heldmaschine Play The Game We got this far Suicide Society Wronger Lügen Pledge Music / Self Release Words: Heather Moss Birmingham-based quartet Silent Jack are taking rock back to its roots with new album ‘Play The Game’. The 13-track debut oozes the cool and care-free charisma of traditional rock ‘n’ roll with its riotous riffs and gritty vocals, traits littering title-track ‘Play The Game’. The band also demonstrate impressive versatility, from the hard-hitting arrogance of ‘Whiskey & Me’ to the overtly sentimental ‘Turn Away’, ‘Play The Game’ manages to revive a forgotten era without the stereotypical stagnancy. Imminence Records Words: Pagan Hel Before you switch off by the strange opening noises - have some patience and carry on listening as they say, for once into the track you will not be able to contain the lip-smackin’ groove and twisted malevolent frenzy that ensues from such a track or indeed an album! The torrid fuelled passions are there for all to hear track after track pulverises within a concentrated formula that is dramatic and forthright. They have got this far, let’s see them go all the way! UDR Music Words: Stuart Iversen Fifteen albums into their career Annihilator should have their act screwed down tight. Sadly, Suicide Society suggests otherwise. Whether it’s the radio friendly mishmash of musical ideas that constructs the title track or the creepy pop of ‘Snap’, this album ultimately comes across as a bit of a mess. Annihilator have been great in the past. Suicide Society even has a few good moments, but when it’s bad it’s really bad and it’s sadly that which sticks in the head once the music stops. Solar Flare Records Words: Victoria Purcell If you look at the album artwork for ‘Wronger’ and try and imagine what that image would sound like, you may guess correctly. Pigs is noisy rock music, it’s organised chaos, it’s upbeat, and it’s dirty. The album’s gritty abrasive sound takes you on an unhinged journey through 11 tracks. You either get it, or you don’t, depending how your mind works. Personally I embrace the downright maniacal sound of Pigs. They have been compared to Jesus Lizard, and that is a pretty correct comparison. MP-Records Words: Pagan Hel The compelling raucous German language boldly strikes again with added catchy keyboards, getting this all in perspective with thei