Killer Klown Gain
by Leyla Hamedi
Staff Writer
You might feel slight trepidation in taking a chance on a band that spells clown with a K. Hell, you might entirely write off a band called Killer Klown just because, well, come on now. But you’d be making a mistake, as this record is far better than the name implies. It’s a cross between ‘90s era Megadeth, i.e. when they were good, with a little bit of dirty sleaze rock added. The vocals have that epic, rolling Miljenko (Michael) Matijevi feel, you know, the guy who did all of Mark Wahlberg’s singing in Rock Star, and the music is fast-paced and roaring all the way through. Quite simply, this is a damn good album.
Starting off with “Monster Idiot,” we’re first introduced to the Klowns (good band, bad name sorry) with a deep growl worthy of President Mustaine and forceful, pounding drums set off by a deep bass. The chorus of, “You’re a monster iiidiot,” is exactly the kind of classic — but a little silly — metal chanting that would be best set off by a music video with motorcycles. Lots of motorcycles. “Bloody Velvet,” shows off lead singer’s range as it surges up and down throughout, set off by the wa-wa of guitars and the harmonizing backing vocals.
“Tropical Disease,” introduces the poppier, L.A. metal sound with lyrics about them hot rock’n’roll chicks and dueling twin guitars. But we also get into the, “On a steel horse I ride/shot down in a blaze of glory,” groove with “Broken Silence.” The nyah-nyah taunting guitar intro of “Joker” leads into racing, powerful, pounding harmonies that Dokken wish they could do well. “Smoke This,” distorts the vocals to demonic levels before giving us back that pretty Gabry voice with the lilting chorus that recalls the aforementioned Mustaine and Megadeth comparisons.
The only downside would be the track “Acid Rain,” with its artsy, distorted spoken commentary about nobody really cares what. But it makes up for it by going into the growling guitar intro of “Gangster.” However, the Peter Steele-type vocals they keep bringing back get a little trying. Gabry’s voice is more than fine and they really don’t need to experiment with other styles.
Finishing up with “Demolition Man,” it’s a final raucous drum-heavy melody that ties together all the elements that make this band awesome. Rollicking vocals, catchy guitars, and loud drums all the things we love about metal.
Official Site: Klown Official
Label: Street Symphonies Underground Records
Band Members:
Gabry – Vocals
Diablo – Guitars
Andy K – Drums
Nicoch – Bass
Track Listing:
Monster Idiot
Bloody Velvet
Tropical Disease
Big Town
Broken Silence
Too Bad
Joker
Smoke This
Acid Rain
Gangster
Demolition Man
Hardrock Haven Rating: 9/10