Half Dead is a band that doesn’t hold back. The Edmonton-based
female-led group unleashes a furious blend of 90s scream style, thrash
metal, and hardcore punk that will make your ears bleed. Nasty,
Brutish, and Short is their second album, and it showcases their raw
energy, political rage, and personal struggles in 12 tracks that clock
in at just under 23 minutes.
The album kicks off with “Tithes”, a blistering song that sets the
tone for the rest of the album. Hillary screams her lungs out over a barrage of riffs and trashy drums condemning the modern church and pharisaic followers. This is how this album is going to play out and right off the bat we’re kicked in the face with a punk rock shit kicker boot and ready for the full beatdown coming.
Speaking of beatdowns Copanganda is one that stuck out hard. We keep each other safe is a metal/punk mantra that makes an appearance here reminding us that the powers that be don’t have our interest at heart. Take care of yourself and take care of your community; ACAB.
This album deals with issues we are all going through, Running Down the Clock talks about bullshit jobs and even more bullshit management while Card Declined deals with the truth of poverty. You can rarely just ‘budget’ yourself out of trouble just as much as people like to say “get a different job’. This album spotlights REAL problems with the world and us majority in it.
The album closes with “Going Sober”, a speedy and somber ballad that
has an obvious message matching with the rest of the album. The song hits hard and quick
with a mix of regret and hope. The song ends with a hard out leaving
you gap jawed in awe of what you just put through your ears.
Nasty, Brutish, and Short is an album that lives up to its name. It is
a powerful and passionate statement from a band that has something to
say and doesn’t care who hears it. It is not for the faint of heart or
the easily offended, but for those who appreciate honest and
uncompromising music. Half Dead is a band that deserves your attention
and respect.
Comments