POUNDER - Uncivilized review

POUNDER - Uncivilized

Hells Headbangers Records




I first learned about POUNDER via their Faster than Fire EP which came out last year on Shadow Kingdom Records. If you caught wind of that one then you also know what to expect here. If not then listen up. POUNDER is what I describe as a supergroup. This is another project by the amazing Matt Harvey of EXHUMED. Matt had the idea for doing this type of band, which is straight up 80's metal worship, for a while. It finally came together a few years ago which brought about the a fore mentioned EP.


Here we have the debut full length and all I can say is that it's a page ripped from the past. Along with Matt, who sings and takes care of the rhythm guitar duties, you've got lead guitarist Tom Draper whose been playing with CARCASS the past year. On bass you've got Alejandro Corredor of NAUSEA (LA). Finally the drums are performed by session-est Gus Rios. 


Now when I say 80's metal worship I'm referring more to the popular mainstream side of the genre. There's some power ballads on here so be warned. The lion's share of the cuts do rock you out of complacency. The production is so spot on that you could mistake this for some long lost gem from over thirty years ago. Of course POUNDER follow the 80's metal release script verbatim on this eight song release. On here you have your choice cuts, your filler numbers and of course the power ballads.


The choice cuts here are opener "Fuck Off and Die" which will end up being a crowd sing a long anthem. The title track is a fiery blast with decent melody as well as some decent lead work by guitarist Tom Draper. The same thing works for "Red Hot Leather". Not surprising they're the first three songs on here. "The Mists of Time" reminds me of the MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP. As far as the power ballads, “Long Time No Love” (sounds like something DOKKEN could've done) and “Answer the Call,” once again it's guitarist Tom Draper who pulls out his best Michael Schenker imitation to make the VH-1 video savy songs worthwhile. The filler tracks are decent enough.


If there was something I'd criticize this for it would be the vocals. Look in all honesty I like Harvey's singing on here. But I just wonder what somebody else with a better range could do with these songs. Other then that I think POUNDER's debut honors their 80's fore-bearers. 


https://shop-hellsheadbangers.com/

https://pounderheavymetal.bandcamp.com/