When you’re an old, jaded bastard like me it’s always good to find a band that can not only pin back your ears but blow your head clean off – and The Arson Project, from Oskarshamn in Sweden are definitely in possession of that kind of power. Blood And Locusts, their debut MCD, crams no less than ten songs into a mere fourteen minutes of playing time but it’s not just about the sheer power and speed on display.
Centre piece ‘Mentalt Avrättad’ is a veritable grindcore epic, combining crushing, sloth-like monster chords with raging blast, catchy riffs and tremendous atmosphere. Indeed, as with most of the finest grind outfits around, what The Arson Project have achieved is the creation of real, individual, memorable songs with bags of character. You won’t forget songs like ‘Ghost City’ – a brilliant explosion of rage and terror – the pure violence of ‘Deathbed Labour’ or the rampaging final track ‘Holy Vindication’ in a hurry.
Thankfully the production on this warhead of a release is first class, with a bass sound so heavy it’ll drag your guts out of your arse and leave them in a steaming heap round your ankles and guitars sharp and serrated enough to sever limbs. If the likes of Deathbound, Nasum and Rotten Sound float your boat then The Arson Project should be at the top of your shopping list.
http://www.myspace.com/thearsonproject
