BAND: INTAKEca
ALBUM: "Fatal Exception"
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RECORD LABEL: none
ALBUM TYPE: EP
* * * * * * * (7 out of 10 stars)
I turned on my laptop. I found this EP. I pressed play. I pooped myself.
Ok, so in the world of metal, there seems to be a definite "Berlin Wall-esque" dividing point between the above ground and the underground. I've spent many years attempting to destroy this wall. Apparently, so
have the boys in INTAKEca.
Starting with the first track (Pick a fight), INTAKEca has recorded an EP that is energetic, full of passion, and was seemingly recorded with the sole intent of getting you off of your ass and starting some shit. At least, this is what the EP makes me want to do. (Pick a Fight) is just what they intend to do. This track acts as that drunk guy pushing you from behind, as you sit casually on your bar stool, to get your attention. There's one thing he wants to do; beat your ass. No rhyme, no reason; just fight.
Next, (Sound Off) has become one of my favorite tracks, and is very straight-forward. Personally, I'm not a very big fan of samples, audio snippets, or DJ's in a lot of my metal. However, INTAKEca has found the perfect formula to mix these ingredients just right. (Sound Off) will make you want to scream on the top of your lungs. Put down the potato chips, jump off of the couch, and get your lazy ass up and SOUND OFF!
(Me Against The World) on first listen seems to be one of your typical late 90s alt-metal angst ballads. There are many elements that you've heard multiple times over. However, INTAKEca is tight, and are able to put the riffs just right. Kudos to the arrangement of the verses heard in these songs. It is hard to find good music that flows, and includes a small introspective section. (Me Against The World) does just that. It is the first chance in the EP that you really get to take a breath from the aggression. But, as any good concert-going metalhead knows: less is more when it comes to catching one’s breathe. They know just the right moment to pick up the pace, and jump right back in the ring for round two.
Now, we have (Machines Revolt). They took a bit of a different approach on this song. It is a bit slower; it is a bit louder; and, a bit more methodical. The song is not nearly as "in your face" and it is fully aware of the fact. (Machines Revolt) is a great exercise in brave song writing. The music does take a bit of a backseat to the vocals hear. I am a big fan of the drum fills and even the semi-industrial mid-section here. This is probably the most “tame-sounding” song of the EP, but do not let that discount it. It is certainly powerful, all the way down to the air raid siren fading out into the drums...
(Kill The Pain) - This song is violent. I would love to see INTAKEca live. This seems like the song that any of their true fans would go bat shit crazy over. This is the perfect track to end with. It's loud, and it's a song you can yell along with. The veins in my own neck were bulging from the sheer adrenaline of this song. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
All in all, FATAL EXCEPTION is a very well written EP. INTAKEca has not only found the sound that defines them, but they have honed their craft to the point where they can manipulate it to be whatever they see fit. This is a great EP that you should definitely check out. I can't wait to hear more from INTAKEca.