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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
If it ain't broke, don't fix it., July 8, 2003
First thing's first. Is there anything new here? Absolutely not. We've heard it all before, from dozens of other "nu-metal" bands. However, for those that liked what they heard, this album should satisfy and is likely to find a home in your CD player for a few weeks to months, depending on when the next flavor of the month arrives.I think the best way to describe Grade 8's sound is Soil meets Dry Kill Logic meets 3rd Strike. In other words, expect gritty Pantera-esque vocals with moments of speed-singing/rapping. But don't let that turn you off. I'm pretty much anti rap-metal - Kid Rock, Limp Bizkit, etc. - but there's more metal than rap here, so it comes off as very rockin' and catchy. But, yeah, if you're a purist and can't stand the least bit of rap influence in your metal, you'll probably want to pass. Otherwise, it's really good stuff. The music itself is standard nu-metal. Tuned down, crunchy guitars, thick bass, and heavy drums. If you like bands like Soil, Dry Kill Logic, Mudvayne, Mushroomhead, Spineshank, No One, etc., you'll probably like these guys. I haven't seen them live, but this stuff is definitely meant to be played live. Listen to the samples and you'll heard what I mean. "Headcase," "Brick by Brick," "Adrenachrome"...they're moshing tunes. And, really, isn't that what nu-metal is all about? Why only three stars? Sadly, the band are destined to be the victims of their own style. I think Grade 8 will ultimately be overlooked or quickly forgotten because they simply don't bring anything new to the already oversaturated genre. Don't get me wrong. I really like what I hear, but I'm forced to wonder if the band really has any staying power. This is a good, albeit generic, first album. There are enough solid, catchy songs for them to make a mark and get their foot in the door to consumers homes - much the way Soil did with "Halo" and Dry Kill Logic did with "Rot" - but they need to mature and pull out all the stops on the second round or they'll fade away. Though, I suppose the same goes for all those other bands I mentioned as well. Final verdict: If you like the gritty, mosher music of today's nu-metal, you'll find plenty to like on this CD. If you're already tired of the same old, same old of the metal scene and you're looking for something completely new and less "nu"...pass this one over and settle in for a long wait.
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by Grade 8 
