"War of the Gargantuas" is a blistering kiss-off to 2012 and a hell-raising hello to 2013. The four-track split, which will be released January 8, delivers two songs each from Phil Anselmo (Down, Pantera, Superjoint Ritual) and Texas thrash heathens, Warbeast. This is merely a toxic taste of both artists forthcoming full length efforts.
Philip H. Anselmo and The Illegals deliver in skull-crushing fashion on the brutal opener, “Conflict”. Those expecting anything remotely stoner-tipped can sac up now, because this is a pulverizing display of violence set to sound. Phil sounds like an enraged and half-deranged mad man, and the drum work by Jose Manuel Gonzales is simply vicious. “Family, ‘Friends’, and Associates” is only slightly less devastating in its delivery. Phil hasn’t sounded this unhinged in years, and this is a good sign that his spring/summer release, “Walk Through Exits Only” will be decidedly sick.
The deep six thrash bastards of Warbeast leave no skin unscathed on their two tracks either. “IT” is a burly and muscular construct of triturating mayhem with maniacal stick work from Joe Gonzales, and flesh-lacerating fretwork from Scott Shelby. Bruce Corbitt (Rigor Mortis) dips his vocals in old school broken glass and battery acid for an aggressive delivery. Where "IT" kept the groove reigned in to some degree, “Birth Of A Psycho” unleashes it, steps back and lets it fly like a monkey with a straight-razor. The effect is purely savage and delightful in its jaw-breaking delivery. Warbeast gives just enough of the taste to blood in our mouths to hold us over for their sophomore effort, “Destroy” due in March 2013.
Anselmo (with Down) and Warbeast are currently on tour together and have dedicated the entire onslaught to their fallen comrade, Mike Scaccia (Rigor Mortis) who passed away on December 22. Scaccia stayed metal to the end, destroying the stage for Corbitt’s 50th Birthday Bash. He died with his boots on, just as any true musician would want.
Rating: 8.3/10
Philip H. Anselmo and The Illegals are:
Philip H. Anselmo – Vocals
Marzi Montazeri – Guitars
Bennett Bartley – Bass
Jose Manuel Gonzales – Drums
Warbeast are:
Bruce Corbitt – Vocals
Scott Shelby – Lead Guitar
Joe Gonzalez – Drums
Bobby Tillotson Jr. – Lead Guitar
Alan Bovee – Bass (since replaced by Dre Karst)
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Music is the universal language: Speak it loudly!
Rustyn Rose is a veteran music journalist who owns and operates Metalholic Magazine and Metalholic Radio.
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