Friday, October 8, 2010

Pitch Black Forecast - Absentee (2008)

Pitch Black Forecast are a band out of Cleveland.  For fans of the metal genre, this album features drummer Gene Hoglan of Strapping Young Lad and currently Fear Factory as well as J. Popson, a.k.a. J. Mann, formerly of Mushroomhead.  This album encompasses many forms of hard rock and metal.  If you are a fan of Mushroomhead or even older Fear Factory then look no further than this album as you may want to take a listen.  As usual, Gene Hoglan shows off his skills on the double kicker often coming off as sounding like a very Demanufacture-era Raymond Herrera.  Popson, who left Mushroomhead after 11 years (and who I considered to be the best part of the band until he left) takes up the vocal duties with his signature raspy yell.  Tracks like "Ornament" feature low-tuned guitars with riffs reminiscent of Hatebreed while tracks like "Wrapped In Plastic" teeter on the edge of speed/thrash metal.  Track 8, "So Low" even features guest vocals from Randy Blythe of Lamb Of God fame.  Unfortunately for Popson, Blythe's vocals seem to stand out a lot more.  Pitch Black Forecast is a large leap for Popson as he has left behind the somewhat childishness of his former band.  The band's problem is it lacks true direction.  From what I understand, this was supposed to be a project similar to Dave Grohl's Probot with a rotating cast of musicians and guest vocalists.  Pitch Black Forecast are currently in the studio recording their follow-up to this album.  With any kind of luck, the band can tighten up the screws and create something truly impressive.

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