Epochalypse A.D. (True Gemini Records)

Sometimes a band can be new to the public but, be blessed with a familiar sound or style. One such band is DAITRIBE, hailing from Chicago, IL. The band is led by guitarist Tristan “1690” Grigsby who besides being an accomplished shredder is best known from his appearances as part of the great PANTERA Home Videos (or DVD’s now) from the 1990s. In addition to appearing on several tributes to his fallen friend DIMEBAG DARRELL, Grigsby has put together a cool band and written a batch of tunes that call to mind the great power groove and thrash influenced metal of the decade before last. Another PANTERA association is the album was mixed by the bands’ famed producer/engineer and guitar tech Sterling Winfield.

The album opens up with “Betray”, a manic down tuned thrasher. The beats and riffs are really heavy and compliment the demented screaming of vocalist Rich Collins. When the breakdown comes up, a brief but tasty solo section comes in for Grigsby to work his magic. The last third of the song slows down the pace to an AIC like groove that I really liked. “Control” ups the ante considerably and is an aggro workout with chunky riffs and more harrowed vocal wailing. Collins sounds to me a lot like old-school Pete Dolving of THE HAUNTED, just straddling the line between metal and hardcore vocals. The chorus is pretty decent and will have people singing a long live. Grigsby let’s another lead fly and has a really neo-classical flare at times. There is a definite nod to DIMEBAG in his style, especially his use of double tracking leads. “Loss By Distance” starts off with some ethereal sound effects, but then delves in to mid-90s FEAR FACTORY style machine gun riffs and tight drumming. Grigsby’s brother Michael handles the job behind the kit and does a fine job. The drumming on this track is among the best on the album. The band does a very good job of balancing older influences, but keeping up with modern metal sensibilities like LAMB OF GOD or UNEARTH would do. “My Eyes” has kind of a modern, heavy rock/arena metal sound to it and could be a surprise hit for the band. Neat grooves and some singing by Collins make for a catchy, solid tune. Bassist Ricky Riccardo lays down some cool mellow lines that help the track along. “Sanctuary” starts off like a gentle ballad, but then has an anthem like feeling not unlike JUDAS PRIEST or IRON MAIDEN. The single “I Hate Me” is another ripping jam. The band does a good job with pedal to the metal, straight-ahead licks with a bit of flare to them, but doesn’t throw in too many unexpected twists and turns. The chorus has yet another scream-along part that would be fun in a live setting. “Crime Legacy” is an interesting cut which rages most of the way until a chill breakdown switches things up. Other top tracks include “False Hopes” and “Liar Messiahs”. You can get the record directly from the band here.

DAITRIBE: Carrying the torch.

GRADE: B

by Keith (Keefy) Chachkes