Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Murdercycle - Victims - 2002 - Reviewed by Nailer

Track Listing1. Asphalt Jungle 2. Ask Satan My Name 3. Faceless Friends 4. Hypochondriac 5. Gonz 6. Flesh Freak 7. Reality 8. I Don't Care

Murdercycle surprised me. For one, they were pretty clever with their promo package by having the CD in an evidence folder and plastic baggie like you'd find from a crime scene. Got my attention pretty quick.

The music on their 2002 release "Victims" is hard rock, but it isn't lyrically derivative of the usual hard rock staples of sex, drugs and broads. Not that that's a bad thing, mind you, there's just more to write about in the world. I think their success is the melding of two elements--a hard rock style that just bridges itself musically from the three-chord progression of punk and a 60s-era jam sound reminiscent of the Doors minus the organ.

Songs that are only four minutes long seem as if they are much longer through some atypical arrangements and there are plenty of moments amidst the thunder where I found myself escaping into the music. "Victims" would be a good soundtrack to a night of drinking and brooding.

Other than some effects, vocalist Chris Bean seems to have two styles. One is a bit of a shout and the other is a smoother delivery that evokes the great Jim Morrison. I'd personally like to see the latter developed on future songs.

It's good to see some hard rock bands that aren't just wallowing in their own machismo. Other than the excellent drumming, the music is a bit too raw to be very commercial and there isn't always a chorus to hook you in and get you moving, but I would suspect and hope that increased touring and play will offer them the chance to expand and improve upon this release.

Murdercycle shows that hard rock can be more than just a good time.


--Nailer 02.23.04