RED GIANT (Dysfunctional Majesty) CD
It's now five years since the release of RED GIANT's last album 'Devil Child Blues', but they have not forgotten how to write ass-kickin songs. Quite the opposite in fact. 'Dysfunctional Majesty' (released through Small Stone Records in 2010) is a huge step forward, not just due to the band's powerful performance. Especially guitarist Alex Perekerst proves once again that his expressive vocals and strong pipes are the icing on the cake. It's not that I want to talk badly about the other three guys, but Perekerst's cuting badass style is a shape-giving mould in the band's well equiped arsenal. This guy is definitely an underrated talent. But as a whole, Cleveland's RED GIANT deliver a great album with a high rate of killer songs. With the opener 'Chopper' they demonstrate their will to attract the listener's attention right from the start. And they don't fail to do so. To be quite frank, it's one of the best opening tracks I've heard in a long time.
The guitar work of lead guitarist Damien Perry contains battering heavy riffs and blistering solos while the rhythm section, consisting of drummer Eric Matthews and bassist Brain Skinner, is tight and provides the necessary punch on the song. The same might be said for the remaining eleven tracks, but 'Chopper' is doubtless one of the highlights of 'Dysfunctional Majesty'. 'Silver Shirley' emits a menacing vibe and surprises not only with a trippy middle section, but also with an additional sax. But this is not the only surprise. 'Never Touch The Lens' makes no effort to hide its thrash metal influence, but also in other respects RED GIANT has integrated more metal splinters into their blues-driven hardrock. And even though this guys love their 1970's rock, 'Dysfunctional Majesty' is definitely no trip back in time. It's more a tastefully arranged combination of everything that rocks hard, regardless of the decade. The blues is also an important part of RED GIANT's heavy sound and sometimes you can find traces of southern rock, ranging from Blackfoot to early Alabama Thunder Pussy.
This time as well, they do a cover version of AC/DC's 'Let There Be Rock', which fits perfectly with the rest of album. Basically, it sounds like one of their own songs, which is a good sign. However, I must also say that they don't beat the cover of The Hard Ons & Henry Rollins, but none the less it's a good effort. 'Dysfunctional Majesty' is rounded off by a funny modification of Kiss' 'Love Gun' cover artwork. Again, focus is on the 'Cosmic Welder' who has graced every record cover of RED GIANT. For me as an old Kiss fan it's a great idea. Even if this album has its lengths, RED GIANT has succeeded in recording their best full length. It's nasty, it's full of catchy hooks and it's damn heavy. Here we have solid, ass kicking rock and roll, as performed by men who know what they're doing and are utterly unrepentant about it. If you want rock, buy RED GIANT.
(KK)