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Pist.On: Number one
13/02/12 || Detox
Back in the mid 90’s, I was pretty sure that there was only one gloomy, gothic metal band with a sense of humor hovering through the misty, downtrodden streets of Brooklyn. As with most people, I would immediately just think Type O Negative and the brilliant material they released throughout the decade. Apparently there was another Brooklyn faction who not only shared the gloomy and the gothic touches music-wise, but also had their bassist doing back up vocals on a few cuts from the aforementioned band’s “October rust“ album. Pist.On was a band whom came about in the early 90’s, released a couple of demos, dropped a massive debut album on the world (Which was produced by none other than Josh Silver), released a follow-up LP, an EP and then imploded. Yet, from what I can tell, not many seem to be very aware of these fiendish little new yorkers. Let’s try to change that…
Right off the bat, you can probably kind of envision to a degree what this music is going to sound like: “October rust“/”Bloody kisses“ era gloomy atmospherics, but with a good sense of aggression, some nasty guitar solos, a sense of humor evident through some ridiculous lyrics and not a single track that passes the five and a half minute mark. The vocals from Henry Font on the album are brilliant and conveyed exceptionally well. Similar to how Kenny Hickey does vocals in Seventh Void, but with a stronger ranger that can also put on display both a raspy snarl and some fairly deep clean singing. What better vocal chords could you ask for to belt out “Shoplifters of the world/Unite and take over“? I’m also not sure why he seems so angry about eight sides or why he wants so badly to be put back in the womb, but hey… it’s his story, so I’ll let him tell it.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s the heavy metal riffage party that is the opening track “Parole“, the tremolo worshiping gloom sections that make up “Turbulent“ or the brilliant single, “Grey Flap“, which was awarded a weird and semi-awkward video, there is very little to not like about this album if you’re a fan of this particular style. “Exit Wound“ in particular, with it’s haunting atmospherics and engaging melody, is probably my favorite cut from the album. If you aren’t a fan of this style, why did you continue reading past the first paragraph? Get outta here! The band’s ability to combine such a strong sense of gloomy melody with some balls out heavy riffing is evident throughout most of the album and works so well it’s actually kind of startling at times. The heavy leads are beautiful and the clean sections are mesmerizing, so what’s not to enjoy? I’m not even that big of a fan of guitar solos the majority of the time, but it’s impossible for me not enjoy every single one put on display here. Elsewhere, the bass playing is engaging while the drumwork is pretty solid all around, as well. Nothing too fancy anywhere, but the drummer never comes off as sounding bored or playing dull, which is all I can ask for most drummers anyways.
What’s weird is that the only real issue with the album is something I can’t quite get off the fence about… and that’s the production. Yes, the fairly muddled mix works with the style, but with this sort of music there is so much more potential for life and power coming forth out of the speakers if it didn’t always seem to be trying to bury itself. I know there are many albums in my collection which I would love to have a good, proper remastering (No, not that scratchy, treble-loving loudness war shit I hear so much complaining about nowadays) made for and this is definitely one of them. But even with that minor down point, there should both have been more recognition for this band… and more bands of this style! It’s beautiful, powerful and brilliant all at the same time. Perhaps maybe there are more groups like this and I’m just fucking retarded… but god help you if you try to recommend me Moonspell to fill the void! As for “Number One“, an unwavering 9 sell outs out of 10 will suit the record just fine.
- Information
- Released: 1996
- Label: Atlantic Records
- Website: www.pistonline.com/
- Band
- Henry Fonts: vocals, guitars
- Paul Poulos: guitars, backup vocals
- Val Ium: bass, backup vocals
- Danny Jam Kavadlo: drums
- Tracklist
- 01. Parole
- 02. Turbulent
- 03. Grey Flap
- 04. Shoplifters Of The World Unite
- 05. I Am No One
- 06. Eight Sides
- 07. I’m Afraid Of Life
- 08. Electra Complex
- 09. Down & Out
- 10. Mix Me With Blood
- 11. My Feet
- 12. Exit Wound
