Customer Reviews

War Profiteering Is Killing Us All

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This CD seems to be an amalgum of all their styles put together. Now in all fairness, you can't call yourselves the Suicide Machines and NOT sing about politics, (even though their most admired CD is exactly the opposite). Yet, this album does not come off as preachy (like Anti-Flag) or unresearched (like most Casualties songs)... Every track on this album has an edge that they have not traveled to until this date. Whether it be with lyrics or music, this album has it all! 13 songs and an extra 14th track called "95% of the world is third world," and only one or two songs i couldn't really get into. The intro to "Bottomed Out" saddened me quite a bit, but that's just about the only complaint I could possibly have. For fans of DBD and Battle Hymns, check out, TSM dishes out "Capitalist Suicide," "17% 18 - 25", and "Ghosts on Sunset Blvd." - If you're for some strange reason a fan of their self-titled or Steal This Record you may enjoy "Nuclear Generators", "Bottomed Out", or "Hands Tied"...either way, TSM adds so much to this new album that each and every song is more fast-paced, energetic, and realistic. And although this is more hardcore than they have previously ventured, it brings me back to the Battle Hymn days... "DDT!!!!!"

So, first, a quick history lesson. I'm a relatively new fan of the Suicide Machines. After hearing "High Anxiety" on Tony Hawk's Underground 2, I went out and bought A Match and Some Gasoline, and since that was an amazing CD, I went out probably a week or two later and bought their debut, Destruction by Definition. I'm hoping to get Battle Hymes and Steal this Record soon, but haven't had a ton of luck finding it in stores.

Anyway, on to the new one. For their sixth time around, the Suicide Machines have made a few changes, some good, some bad, but we could say this is pretty much a CD that familiarizes the machines with the new grounds they broke into with their debut on Sideonedummy. What with the hardcore screaming and the politics, we could say this is A Match and Some Gasoline, taken up a notch or two. It's an amazing CD, let's start by saying that, and I've been playing it almost every day despite the fact that I've bought 3 other CDs in the same week that I bought this one. Jay really brings that energy that we know from their debut album as well as alot of turbo charge anger, shall we say, that he showed us in their previous works. My only concern/criticism on this CD, is the way they're slowly but surely moving away from the punk scene. In a few songs, Capsule and All Systems Fail in particular, they drop the fast paced beat for a slow almost droning scream (We dig our own grave) which sounds like something you might find on a Lamb of God CD, and since I'm not a Lamb of God fan, or a fan of any heavy metal for that matter, I don't know if that's the greatest thing. Now I don't mind the screaming, in fact, when the energy is there, the screaming complements it well. For example, as heavy as it is, the title track blew me away when I heard it for the first time, because it's still got that old Suicide Machines energy that makes you wanna get up and jump around... or in this case maybe bang your head on something, all the same. However, some of the highlight tracks on the CD are the ones that are going back to some of the old catchy punk-ska theme that the guys started back in 96. These highlight tracks would be "Ghost on the sunset strip" "Junk" "Bottomed Out" and "Hands Tied" All in all, I say buy it if you've ever even considered the Suicide Machines, but keep an open mind, 'cause they play around with a few new concept that aren't exactly punk-ish.

The Good
The opening track "War Profiteering is Killing Us All" comes at you like a shotgun blast with frantic guitars and blood-thirsty vocals. Rapid drum beats and break-neck rhythms take a hold of "Ghost On Sunset Blvd," which also has one hell of a catchy chorus. Drug addiction is the focal point of "Junk". Sonically the track mixes a punk backbeat with hints of ska riffage. "17% 18 to 25" vents frustration with the lack of youthful voter turnout. A driving bass line riff leads the charge on "All Systems Fail;" another anti-government statement by the group. "Nuclear Generation" explores how those in power are slowly destroying our environment. "Hands Tied" explores more of that ska sound with funky bass and guitar tones.

The Bad
Nothing notable

The Verdict
This is a rather short album for fourteen tracks; about 30 minutes. What Suicide Machine's lack in length, they sure make up for in substance. War Profiteering is Killing Us All is an intense, in-your-face, hardcore, punk rock album with lots of social and political sensibility. You don't have to agree with their views, but at least listen to their side of the issues.

Suicide Machines have always been more of a ska band...thats not an opinion thats a fact...its weird how back in the day ska was pretty popular when Destruction by Definition came out...and now harder music is popular and then all of a sudden Suicide Machines came out with a harder album...its almost like selling out in my opinion..but thats not why I am writing this I am warning you kids to go listen to their stuff off this album because you may like it...personally I liked the lyrics hated the music...the song War Profiteering is Killing Us All is good and Red Flag was good but all in all if you like ska and you're looking for ska STAY AWAY FROM THIS ALBUM! go buy Destruction by Definition, thats an album you can shake your tailfeather to...this one is if you want to be a miserable negative angry kid...I know it seems pretty "punk" to be angry but its not the right thing to be thinking about...all in all this album is only good if you want harder music with political idealogical thinking about the war in Iraq and Bush...if you want some music to get you crunked up with still a little basic punk thinking music in it then I suggest Destruction by Definition...

Whew, The Suicide Machines, what can I say? With their 6th and saldy, final studio album, this Detroit-based quartet go out with a bang. This is by far their heaviest and most brutal album, and that just may be the reason why it is my second favorite, next to Destrucion by Definition, of course. There are a few breaks in the action, such as the bass driven, "Junk", track number four, and the punk-ish, "Bottomed Out", track number ten. The album then continues to finish up with the last 3 tracks being a bit less intense, but by all means still great. The lyrics in track thirteen are saddening if you actually listen, because Jay seems as if he regrets the path he's taken for the past 15 years of his life. For the most part, however, "War Profiteering is Killing us All" is a rebellion against Bush and modern politics. Although this album may be filled with great, great songs, I'm going to try to pick out my top favorites here :

2. Capitalist Suicide - I wouldn't exactly call it a "single", but I'd say it's the most familiar with people as far as this CD goes. This song just flows well, it'll be stuck in your head forever.
3. Ghost On Sunset Strip - It kind of reminds me of the Suicide Machines we saw on "A Match and Some Gasoline". It's upbeat, catchy, and the chorus is great.
4. Junk - Wow. Some powerful bass on this song, I think that's what makes it great, too. This track almost sounds live. I'd have to say it's tied for my favorite on the CD. "Is all your integrity gone?"
8. Red Flag - Can you say transitions? This song is very brutal at times, and at other it's that signature in-your-face punk only The Suicide Machines can do.
11. Rebellion Is On The Clearance Rack ( And I Think I Like It ) - The opening of this song will have you jumping off of a bridge and banging your head against cement. It's very heavy and I love the section where only Ryan and Jay are audible, "Let's let those f***ers win!"
12. Hands Tied - Ahh, sweet ska. This is the track that's tied with "Junk" as my favorite. I STILL cannot stop listening to this one. The bass solo is a killer idea.

Even though I still think The Suicide Machines could have gone on for many more years and made so much more great music, ( that I definitely would have gotten my hands on, no matter how I had to ) they've decided to put their career to a halt. I respect them for all of the music they've made and times they made my life awesome. Don't miss out on the last great album from TSM. Thank you for your time.

If you liked Battle Hymns, you'll love this one. From beginning to end, it's full-on rage played at a mind-numbing pace, with the last couple of songs slowing it down a bit. The entire CD is barely 30 minutes long but it's well worth your money. It's packed with amazing tracks, there are barely any fillers; as a matter of fact, i don't recall any. Just a violent, blistering attack on senses. A brilliant last album from an amazing band.

War Profiteering is a great album which mixes ska and hardcore to an awesome mix with unstoppable aggression, energy, and anger. This is my first Suicide Machines album and I really enjoyed it. In days of Fall Out Boy, Panic at the Disco, All Time Low, All American Rejects (You get the point) it's hard to come by a punk album with a 90's feel and aggression to boot. Especially since many of the bands from the 90's (Goldfinger, Millencolin, No Use For A Name, The Offspring, Green Day, A.F.I., etc.) have changed their sound to a slower poppy pace to accompany the more popular sounds of the 2000's, it's awesome to find a band that starts rocking and doesn't let up til the end.

War Profiteering starts with a minute and twenty seconds of fist pumping aggression in the title track, and then mellows out a little with the more ska oriented second track with some cool bass lines and a catchy chorus. Ghost on a Sunset Strip is good and fun, Junk is another quick song followed by 17% 18 to 25 which is a good song, I really like the singing at the end. Capsule is awesome especially the end which is slow and sludgy and almost like metal music. All systems fail is kind of more experimental with some churning guitar and drums, Red Flag is awesome. The part with "rise up, rise up and fight..." is great it makes you want to pump your fist in the air and just scream along. Nuclear Generators is another ska track with a catchy chorus. Bottomed out is pretty good, however the clearance rack song is kinda forgettable. Hands tied is another catchy ska song and its followed by, I went on tour for 10 years and all i got was this lousy t shirt which is an awesome dub kinda song that ends the album on an interesting note until it picks up again in 5 or so minutes with the somewhat hidden track 95% of the world is third world which is a good catchy song.

Overall the album is short and sweet (very little over thirty minutes) and it is very full of power and aggression. I really enjoyed it. For anyone who enjoys political punk with a ska edge this album is really great. Check it out.

One of the best punk bands in the land turn it up and power it out on this one. The unrelenting politics of the songs are exactly what the medic ordered in these dreary times. (why they ain't Mick Jagger who apologizes and denies writing about Bush, now are they, bloke?) TSM captures in tune how we all should be reacting to a sitting, vacationing misLeader.

This album doesn't let up until about track 12, when we are treated to a ska-reggae inflected bass-driven tune that is a pre-requisite on great punk albums.

This album comes at a perfect time in the history of our nation, both musically and otherwise. It renews our faith in the power of Punk and the need for such.

It's a little short but maybe we don't need filler ditties. It's well worth the money.

Ah, The Suicide Machines....

Well, this CD is unlike the rest of the them. If you were a fan from the start you will have noticed that with every single new CD they seem to get harder, more political, and faster. Destruction By Definition was the first CD which had a light ska/skate-punk thing going... then it got a bit deeper with Battle Hymns (Such tracks as Strike stick out in my mind), and now the next step is this.

Is this a good or bad thing? Personally, I love the new change. Just like the Bouncing Souls, The Suicide Machines are now a band which doesn't talk about girls, skateboards, and van sneakers anymore, instead they now talk about war and politics. While the lyrics are not the most brilliant or insightful political lyrics (They ain't no propagandhi) they do a pretty decent job, and have lyrics quite better then most punk rock records out these days.

Here is a look at each track quickly:
1. War Profiteering Is Killing Us All: Great starting track. Energitic quickness, with a great beat to it. 5/5

2. Capitalist Suicide: My favorite track on the CD. It is a slow down from the first track, but adds a light ska/punk tune with very catchy lyrics. The only problem with this song, like most, is that it is too short. 5/5

3. Ghosts On Sunset Blvd: Meh, a nice rock song, but nothing special. I think the chorus is over used as well... kind of bland. 2/5

4. Junk: Sounds quite long one of the old Suicide Machines happy tracks. Light ska beat breaks, with some energetic guitar parts. Nothing new, but old fans of the band will open up quickly to this track. 4/5.

5. 17% 18 To 25: I don't know about this song. Honestly, the guitar is grand, but the lyrics are blah and the chorus is over used once again. The end of the song is quite grand, but the start... ugh... It does have quite a bit of energy, but I think most people will just hit the skip button on this. 2/5

6. Capsule: Just like track number 5. Boring start, except the end leads into a ska/punk heavy political jumble. 1/5

7. All Systems Fail: Actually, I like this song. I am sure this would be the either "Love it or hate it" track of the CD. It is a typical punk song, has a... interesting chorus, and ends on a fast note. 3/5.

8. The Red Flag: I have no idea what they were trying here. When you first play this you think "Oh... lovely, a nice ska song!" but it quickly changes once again into a hardcore guitar break in it. The chorus is pretty catchy. It is hard to switch between "Yay! Ska!" to "FIGHT THE POWER DEATH METAL!" back and forth. Still pretty catchy though. 4/5.

9. Nuclear Generators: Pretty catchy, reminds me of old Suicide Machines songs. Sounds like something of which should have been of the Battle Hymns. You get the ska/punk classic thing working here. 4/5.

10. Bottomed Out: Once again, just like track nine, except more punk and less ska. It reminds you of the older work of which they had did, and delivers happy punk goodness. 3/5.

11. Rebellion Is On The Clearance Rack (And I Think I Like It): Mmm... well, this track is interesting. REPEAT THE CHORUS TEN THOUSAND TIMES!!!! I really didn't like this song, it is just kind of boring. 1/5.

12.Hands Tied: Something for the very old Suicide Machines fans. Reminds me of the A match and some Gasoline ska songs. The best ska song on this CD, if you like the lighter stuff you will love this. 5/5.

13. I Went On Tour For 10 Years... And All I Got Was This Lousy T-shirt: Oh look, it is Sublime! No wait, it is the Suicide Machines. Blah... this may be a biased review on this track, because I hate Sublime. The whole "Dark-ska-rock" moody thing is so bland and boring to me. The track is very slow, and very bland. 1/5.

14. 95% of the World is Third World: The prime political track on here. This is where those like I who love punk political rock will smile. Very catchy, and a decent combo of ska/punk. I like you will like it. 5/5.

Ill Rate each track on a scale from 1-10 and tell you about it...

1. War Profiteering Is Killing Us All: Great way to open the cd. This is a fast punk song with good lyrics and fun to sing along to. 8/10

2. Capitalist Suicide: Nice Ska song. It speeds up in the chorus and then has nice sing along at the end. 9/10

3. Ghosts on Sunsent Blvd.: This is a punk song that is kind of catchy until the end and it has kind of a weird talking part. 7/10

4. Junk: Has a kind of a ska verse then a punk chorus, Good song. 8/10

5. 17% 18-25: A Punk Song with great lyrics. Its about the MTV "Serious" reporter. 8.5/10

6. Capsule: A more hardcore punk song. Pretty good until the end where it just screams to long. 6.5/10

7. All Systems Fail: Cool Bass intro. Punk Song. 7/10

8. The Red Flag: Starts out softly then has a screaming chorus. 6.5/10

9. Nuclear Generators: Goes from punk to ska but sounds cool. 8.5/10

10. Bottomed Out: Starts off very slow but has a cool intro. 8.5/10

11. Rebellion Is on the Clearance Rack...: The most hardcore song on the cd and my least favorite. 6/10

12. Hands Tied: Nice ska song and my favorite Song on the cd. 10/10

13. I Went On Tour for 10 Years...: Another great song with a cool bass intro. Ska Song. 9/10

14. 95% of the World is 3rd World: Good Song in a weird way except for the speeches. 7/10

Overall a great cd from a great band.