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5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

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Band
Grip Inc.
Title
Incorporated
Type
LP/EP
Company
SPV/Steamhammer
YOR
2004
Style
Heavy/Extreme
Popular Reviews
2/24/2004 - Review by: Frank Hill
Solid, tough metal that's equally mature and a kick in the ass
Grip Inc. - "Incorporated" - 2004 - Reviewed by Nailer

Track Listing
1. Curse (Of The Cloth)
2. The Answer
3. Prophecy
4. Endowment Of Apathy
5. Enemy Mind
6. Skin Trade
7. (Built To) Resist
8. The Gift
9. Privilege
10. Blood Of Saints
11. Man With No Insides
It's been quite a few years since the last Grip Inc. album, 1999's "Solidify", and after listening to the new 2004 disc "Incorporated", I'm sorry I missed the others in their discography. Except for some thrash moments, GI doesn't really peg itself into any category beyond solid, tough heavy metal.

Due to the skill of each, nothing is diminished from only three members in their international lineup. Waldemar Sorychta's guitar work is expansive with a menacing tone throughout the majority of the numbers. No stranger to the accolades for his superior drum work in Slayer, Dave Lombardo continues, as expected, to be the drummer extraordinaire. Gus Chambers rounds out the band with a fantastic mid-range set of vocals that vary from clean to primal intensity.

The first number, "Curse (of the Cloth)" is pure metal bliss. After a monstrous opening it drops into a frenzied thrash break before eventually circling back to it's Frankenstein awakening. "The Answer" provides sociological weight to a pit-worthy groove. "Prophecy" and "Endowment of Apathy" are both centered by their choruses with EA the greater showcase for Dave's powerhouse drumming.

The next three numbers expand on the Grip Inc. sound with experimental elements added to the guitar work. "Enemy Mind" includes a mix of Spanish guitar, "Skin Trade" is punishing thrash that reminds you of Dave's heritage with Arabic-inspired guitar and "(Built to) Resist" juxtaposes string arrangements with outright screaming in one of the best songs on the CD. The final set of songs continue the sound of big, muscular riffs started from the first of the disc.

Bottom Line: Grip Inc. is solid, tough metal that's equally mature and a kick in the ass. Watch for it soon around mid-March of 2004 from SPV/Steamhammer records.


--Nailer 02.23.04
  • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
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ALL REVIEWS FOR: GRIP INC.
TITLE
DOR
COMPANY
 REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
Incorporated
2004
SPV/Steamhammer
Frank Hill2/24/2004
-

ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: GRIP INC.
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