Current revision

A Wilhelm Scream - Career Suicide

General Information

Original Author: Duncan

Artist: A Wilhelm Scream

Album: Career Suicide

Genre: Rock/Melodic Punk/Hardcore (hard to categorise)

Year: 2007

Record Company: Nitro Records

Track Listing

1. I Wipe My A** With Showbiz
2. 5 To 9
3. The Horse
4. Die While We're Young
5. Jaws 3, People 0
6. Career Suicide
7. These Dead Streets
8. Get Mad, You Son Of A Bitch
9. Our Ghosts
10. Cold Slither II
11. Pardon Me, Thanks A Lot
12. Check Request Denied
13. We Built This City! (On Debts And Booze)

A Wilhelm Scream have been around for a while now, since about 1997 busting out punk rock tunes. The progression of the band has been absolutely insane. From being an admittedly quite boring punk rock outfit under the name Smackin' Isaiah, to truely now one of my favourite bands. Their first solid release for me was 'Mute Print' (after changing their name to A Wilhelm Scream), followed up well by 'Ruiner', and now bettered by 'Career Suicide'. I never thought they could better those two albums, but somehow they did.

Sound

9

This is by far the best mixed album so far. They manage to keep the speed up without losing out on sound quality. The levels of bass are pretty much spot on for me. It doesn't interfere with the guitar work too much, but rings out loud and clear when the bassist is playing a fill etc. The vocals are aggressive as ever and blend in with guitar and drum lines to create to incredibly catchy moments. Having seen this band live 3 times before I can vouch for their live performance as well. So much energy on stage, every gig is enjoyable.

Guitar/Bass Work

10

This band already possessed two extremely good guitarists, but before recording they also picked up a extremely good bassist. The best of the bassist can be heard in the tapping intro to 'The Horse', and shredding alongside the guitars in 'Jaws 3, People 0'. He really has been a great introduction to the band. Guitar wise, they have outdone themselves again. They combine fast riffs and sections with melodic harmonised guitars that keep you interested from start to finish. Having been listening to this album for about 3 months now I still cannot get enough. If you're expecting immense amount of shredding though, this might not be for you. Despite this though the guitar work is still very, very good.

Lyrics

8/9

Nuno has long been known for his interesting lyrics, and on this album there is no exception. Mixed with his naturally rough vocal style, the lyrics really become truely catchy and may have you singing along (not that I do that ). Highlights include 'Get Mad, You Son Of A Bitch' and 'Die While We're Young'. The reason though the lyrics didn't get a higher score than my already generous one was because, although they are good and catchy, they are hardly deeply thought provoking (say more new Strung Out). Still though very catchy.

Die While We're Young:

It's been years since I sold my soul.
What a life: no advice and no guidance.
Worked through the weekend at my bulls**t job
with the pumps and the mops and the tire irons.
Now us slaves break break and go to work.
And these pigs will tread on our backs.
Every bastard to pass through the grinder
can just laugh at the mania of his own nerves.
I had to go to class but just drove on through
the rain and fog up Route Six past the mall.
Drank through paychecks, they don't last so long.
But Monday we're on. Please, Monday, come.
Now us slaves break break and go to work.
And these pigs will tread on our backs.
Every bastard to pass through the grinder
can just laugh at the mania of his own nerves.
And embossed in the gold top hald of his nickel-plated watch:
"Let's die while we're young." While we're still young.
While us slaves break bread and go to work,
where sick pigs will shit down our backs.
Every bastard to pass through the grinder
our resolve is a reminder we are guts and bone.
And attached to three ring binder,
reminders of our old pact: let's die while we're young.
But now we're too old for that.

Overall Impression

10

Overall this really is just an incredible album. 'Mute Print' and 'Ruiner' were of such high standards that I didn't think they would be able to better themselves. As usual though I was wrong, and I've listened to this album much more than the other two already. If you are a fan of this band, and haven't heard the new album I strongly recommend picking this up. If you have never heard of this band before I suggest you get into 'Mute Print' and 'Ruiner' first. A Wilhelm Scream are definitely for fans of bands such as Strung Out, Lagwagon, Rise Against, and the such. I really cannot wait to see this band live again.

Should you enjoy this band because of this review they have currently just started a UK tour, of which I will be at the Southampton show, and possibly the London one:

Thank you for reading.