Atrophy
Violent By Nature (1990)
Label: MVD Audio
Featuring barely-in-the-saddle drumming and complex solos at blistering speed, Atrophy’s Violent By Nature is a solid effort. The band is slowed somewhat by lead singer Brian Zimmerman, whose voice lacks flexibility and emotion. His voice is passable for the numerous sing-along choruses, which probably worked great live. Zimmerman’s vocals are growled and gravely — no high-pitched screams here. But unfortunately, his Lemmy Kilmister-like shouts are not very compelling. Given to long periods of riffing without soloing, the solos do eventually come — in force. The playing is fast and proficient, never neglecting melody.
The lyrics can be a little clunky, but Atrophy addresses issues not foremost on that mind of your average teenpop fan. Most metalheads will be satisfied with the topics covered, but not necessarily with the treatment. Atrophy is social-critic band, and as such they do not deal in white unicorns or pyramids like Wolfmother or Mastodon. They have a Metallica-like obsession with war and deceit, but in a very I-saw-it-on-TV way. Unfortunately Atrophy didn’t have time to refine their sound after this album. Befitting a band billed as “intelligent thrash metal” they disbanded after songwriter, guitarist and founder Chris Lykins decided to quit the band to start med school. -Tim O’Regan
Recent Comments