Review by Rachel Jablonski
Driving the eternal five hour trip from Cedar Rapids, Iowa back to my hometown of Lincoln, Nebraska, my concerns rested in my ability to stay awake - I seemed to be alternating between wide and drooping eyes. The hell that is journeying through Iowa, the least scenic and most boring state in America, was getting to me as I raced solo along the interstate. In desperation, I reached to the pile of CDs “to be reviewed” I had brought along with me. Interested in hearing one band in particular that I will see live with Kittie in coming weeks, I selected Crisis’ Like Sheep Led to Slaughter from the hefty stack.
Loading the disc into the stereo, I heard dark grumbling noise and the solid echo of a woman’s spoken voice taking control and ceasing all external motion around me. Communicating powerful words in such a way that my focus had no where else to turn, suddenly I was startled as the lull of sound broke into an explosive guitar riff. I listened intently wondering if this album would have the power to keep me stimulated and focused on the road. It wasn’t until track #2 when I heard the soft shrill of the vocalist that I began to realize I had heard this band somewhere before. Yes, I thought, and I own one of their albums in fact. But just who is it? I wondered in my drowsy state. Swiftly, it dawned on me. This sound shared some similarities with the 1996 album I own called Deathshead Extermination by a band called Crisis. With a jolt of shock I came to an insightful conclusion. This IS Crisis! Suddenly I was fully alert.
The signature Crisis sound consists of androgynous growls occasionally intertwined with sleek melodies and innocent squeals. Originating in New York City in about 1993, the band has been acknowledged through the years for their experimental metal sound. Karyn Crisis is in fact the first hardcore woman vocalist I had ever heard in metal. Her vocal capabilities are amazing and her lyrics are actively aggressive. The musicianship of Crisis is equally amusing forcing heavy and nonconforming sounds to that of the vocals. Like Sheep Led to Slaughter continues along the band’s experimental path while utilizing their continued strength in putting the listener in wonderment.
Perhaps one of the best tracks on the album, “Nomad,” consists of an Eastern-type sound giving the song somewhat of a mysterious tone. In combination with a rhythmic guitar riff, soft and sweet vocal melody breaks, but not for long. Watch out! Like a swift punch to the face the song transitions from non-threatening mystery to a heavy guitar and hardcore vocal fest. The track exploits Crisis at their best.
The versatility of Crisis is greatly demonstrated in their latest release. Like Sheep Led to Slaughter is a solid metal album with experimental twists certain to wake up any metal fan.