### Throwdown: Venom and tears

#### 28/08/07 || Euthanatos

Straight-edge hardcore masters Throwdown return once more to alienate the masses with some thrash-influenced old school hardcore with modern metalcore influence. “Vendetta” was an album I thoroughly enjoyed, so let’s see what these lads have going for them this time.

For starters, I am extremely surprised by the first track, “Holy Roller”, a fast-paced, bad-ass track. While it sees the band in a thrashier, grittier direction, Dave Peters sounds like Phil Anselmo’s twin brother. And, yes, I know this isn’t the first time you’ve read me saying this…But what the fuck am I supposed to do when everyone and their grandmother want to suck Anselmo’s (supposedly) big dick?

And, I’m afraid from “Day of the Dog” onwards, although there are moments where Peters does return to his former self, it’s pretty much an Anselmo fest. And truth be told, the Anselmo-ness of his vocals does sound really good with the sound here.

I don’t know if this album is better or worse than “Vendetta”. It really depends on which aspect of the band you enjoy more. For those mourning Pantera widows, this should really give you a hard-on. Although the break-downs and throw-downs are all here, the band has taken its metal roots up a notch, and its not surprising Throwdown is such a polarizing group when it comes to metal x hc/punk fans.

“S.C.U.M.”, as ridiculous as the name may be, is one hell of a fucking song, fast, full of moshing moments, perfect to kill your dog while listening. Or cat. Or wife. Whatever suits you. “Americana” sounds like something straight out of “Far Beyond Driven”. “Hellbent (On War)” sounds like something straight out of “The Great Southern Trendkill”. “Venom & Tears” sounds just like something straight out of “Reinventing the Steel”.

Yeah, scratch that, “Vendetta” was way better than this shit.

Oh fuck, must I repeat it a thousand times? It sounds just like Pantera. It sounds just like Pantera. It sounds just like Pantera.

But, fuck, if you like Pantera, why the fuck wouldn’t you like this? So, really, it’s up to you. Want to listen to some true hardcore with metal influences? Maybe you better stick with Throwndown’s past. Want to dowse yourself in Vaseline and reminisce of the days of yore? This is for you.

The cover: I think this cover is one bad ass motherfucking cool looking… er… cover. It’s a chick, with a big ass snake on her back/shoulders, and a bite mark on her neck. Pretty sweet.

5 Philip H. Anselmo copyright infringements out of 10.

- Information
- Released: 2007
- Label: Trustkill Records
- Website: www.throwdowngo.com
- Band
- Dave Peters: vocals
- Mark Choinere: guitars
- Matt Mentley: bass
- Ben Dussault: drums

- Tracklist
- 01. Holy Roller
- 02. Day Of The Dog
- 03. S.C.U.M.
- 04. Americana
- 05. Weight Of The World
- 06. Cancer
- 07. Hellbent (On War)
- 08. No Love
- 09. Venom & Tears
- 10. I’ll Never Die A Poisoned Death
- 11. I, Suicide
- 12. Godspeed
- 13. Leave A Message