San Diego Metal - Explicit Review

Explicit- "Last Days"

EXPLICIT: Formed in November of 1998 with the introduction of a new breed of(Drummer) Josh Icenoggle and with brothers Rocky Birlew and Mike Birlew trading off on rhythm and lead (Guitars). Micah Dumoss (visual effects) joined the band soon there after with a vision of capturing the audiences attention and keeping them focused on the artists at hand. After a brief set back of losing original bassist Chris Patterson in the fall of 2001, Explicit was thrusted forward with the induction of talented (Bassist) Bobby Garcia.
"Last Days"-(Last Days Till Eternity)/"instrumental", signifies a man pushed to the edge, who drives to a cliff to commit suicide(intro). The song is actually his ride down, beginning with the drum roll into the first distorted riff. It is a recollection of his life, ending with the build up at the end, which represents the earth below racing up towards him until "BLAM". He hits the rocks and the song ends. Heavy theme for a metal band. This C.D. has the original Bass player Chris Patterson on it. With Josh on Drums, Rocky on lead guitar and Mike on rhythm guitar.
You can tell that this band is out for blood with songs like "Guillotine" This song seems to march forward with reckless abandon. Good crunchy guitar riffs and forceful drum beats.Kick ass bass tones. Excellent chord structure’s ,tend to lead you through a rocky metal maze. Not particularly crazy about the lead solo?
"Murder In the First" I like the vocals in this band. Plenty of guts and growl but still clean and defined. Again, very cool chord structure.

"Bedtime Stories" Has an Iron Maiden taste to it, then wanders off to a power ballad and then back to metal mania. Tasty shrilling guitar licks. Good breaks. Good dynamics. Good song!
"Coming Down" Roaming riffs that have power. Good production value.A little drawn-out at first. Really like the drums. Plenty of power and thrill.
"Land Of The Living" Good lead riffs on this one. Short and to the point. Screaming guitar work on the solo. This is one of the better songs on the C.D.
"Ricochet" (Good closer), This track has a ton of style. I really like the alternating vocal concept with the smooth, almost seamless key transition. Singer sounds a lot like early "Scorpions".
"Glaciers" Nice little acoustic journey.
*EXPLICIT* has played non-stop through all adversity to achieve a monumental and dedicated fan base of all ages. From May of 1999 to the present 2002,their consistent drive to play anywhere and every- where has led to them to well over 150 shows and counting.
We played a show recently with these guys at the Brick By Brick. They were so full of energy and motivation. They had this crazed mad man doing the lights and visuals which have to be seen to be believed. With their piercing heavy style and enhanced visual effects "Explicit" is second to none, unabashed and clearly stated.
-By (FORTRESS){Dominic August/Caesar Peters/Paul Jones}

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