The Damned Things – Ironiclast
January 17, 2011
When it comes to ‘supergroups’, I have to say I’m never particularly interested as the end result is usually one of disappointment. But when you put the band names Every Time I Die, Fall Out Boy and Anthrax together, you can’t help but be curious about what the outcome to this will be.
The Damned Things have gone about this the right way, creating just the right amount of buzz and not completely over-hyping what they have created. They would have been justified in hyping ‘Ironiclast’ more than they have though, as it is a really solid album, somehow mixing aspects of all the above bands along the way.
Opening track ‘Handbook for the Recently Deceased’ kicks off with a riff reminiscent of Every Time I Die attempting to write a pop song. From there, The Damned Things emerge as the band that they have the potential to be. The most impressive component of all the songs is the sense of melody and how well it shines through. Keith Buckley’s voice showcases a new dimension creating chorus after memorable chorus. It is impossible to get songs such as ‘Friday Night’, ‘Bad Blood’ and recent single ‘We’ve Got a Situation Here’ out of your head after just one lesson.
Thankfully the songs rely on simplicity for the most part, with a decent sprinkling of shreddery occasionally adding to proceedings. Following the addictive opening, the album takes on a traditional rock ‘n roll feel with tracks such as ‘Black Heart’ and ‘Little Darling’ seeing the band reach back to their older rock influences as Keith Buckley croons in the best manner possible.
If its the perfect combo of traditional rock meeting the new age and memorable choruses you’re after, it would be advisable for you to listen to ‘Ironiclast’, and then repeat.
Video for ‘We’ve Got a Situation Here’
