It’s just over a year since Amebix came out of retirement and did what they said they were never going to do and play live again. Originally splitting up in 1987 they had left a legacy that appealed to both metal heads and punks, they straddled the boundaries of both having formed in 1981 and also in the process were seen by many as the founders of crust. Having witnessed them live at one of their reunion shows it was obvious they still had that spark and vitality of the past and their songs like many influential political punk bands of the era still displayed that sense of relevance in these still turbulent and hostile times of greed and poverty. Rob The Baron Miller had been living in near isolation, apparently as a sword-smith on the Isle Of Sky but together with Stig and Roy Mayorga (yep him from the unlikely source of drummer of Stone Sour and Soulfly) they have taken the step to pop back into the studio and see if that spark was still there. This is the proof that it is.
Ok so we do not get any new songs here but as the title suggests it is a case of revisiting some old classics for the Redux round. It must have been a bit tricky choosing what they were going to do (no Largactyl) but one obvious one had to be re-recorded and not left to fade away was ‘Arise’ a seminal anthem from yesteryear. Starting with some eerie horns as it batters in it is obvious the man behind the drums has also put some oomph behind the production. This sounds just like it should, a blast from the past with modern recording values and no this does not ruin things in the slightest. Guitars flutter and the Baron sounds throaty and hoary just like a wolf, whether in sheep‘s clothing or not is debatable. Once that chorus hits, I am in my element and if you haven’t heard the original you can probably just blame your age but I’m sure it won’t be long before you are singing along. The song also gets a bit more at end as it peels off in some atmospheric guitar distortion before finally giving up the ghost. ‘Winter’ has really chunky bass and it solidly forces you to your knees, the force behind the song crippling you like a tree in a harsh storm. Apparently this was the first song they attempted in the studio and they nailed it in one take. Originally released as a single in 1983 this and Killing Joke’s ‘Let's All Go (To the Fire Dances)’ may not have dented the top 40 but they certainly gave those who heard their call something to think about. ‘Chain Reaction’ from 1987s’ ‘Monolith’ has vocal gargles and those stirring ‘No Gods No Masters’ lyrics running through it. It also sounds meaty as hell and the thick chugging bass lines really nail the listener.
This is pretty much an essential release as was the original and if you don’t believe in progress mores the pity. If you do but still love the vinyl format that’s exactly what you get as there is a live version of ‘Progress’ rewarding this purchase. As for new recordings of new songs, time will tell but on the strength of this Amebix are not done yet!
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