"These Brummies' name isn't very metal," was my first thought about HookahTheFuzz. The cover artwork with psychedelically coloured picture of a chick with a waterpipe, as well as the songtitles, hardened my supposition, that these fellas must play some kind of drug 'n' roll. However, HookahTheFuzz's self-titled debut album offered a lot of turnups, that I wasn't expecting from it.

The band's musical base consist of metal music, so therefore it is justified to call HookahTheFuzz a prog metal band. The metallic side is about heavy metal riffing, but the album starts with some fantasy power metal stuff, and there's also crunchy thrash riffage to be heard. Some magnificent lead guitar melodies soar sky-high, as well as guitar soloing. On the rhythm department, there is some double kick drumming and other metal drumming. Generally, I feel this to be closer to, also English by the way, Threshold, not so much with Dream Theater.

The band mix various non-metal styles in their music. The most striking element are pop-ish parts à la Faith No More. There is no doubt, that these guys are able to write a tune. Talking about "a tune", the songs are long. Most of the songs include too many building blocks, even though at the best the music flows well. Other music styles included on the album are prog rock (e.g. Pink Floyd and King Crimson influences among others), electronic music (something like Genesis' stuff, I presume), ska, jazzy bits and lounge music. So, it was destined to get a tad bumpy ride at times, eh?!

The playing is fine and very skillful all around the album. I bet these guys have got their musical studies. That does not mean, that it is all by the book or without any bravery to explore how all kind of music styles fit together (if they do...). The vocals are mainly in vein James Hetfield's (Metallica) somewhat monotonous output. There is also some metalcore style screaming, as well as cleaner vocal styles used. Lyrics are about life and societies, and are filled with black humour, but there is also some strikingly dull stuff (depending on one's point of view, of course). Productionwise there is nothing bad to say, to tell the truth. It's loud yet nicely balanced, so every instrument and voices have their place.

HookahTheFuzz have created an album, that is extensive, but still having a metal heart. As it is, there is too much variety to the music, and this is heard in inconsistent songwriting. Still, if you're into prog metal, make yourself a favour and check out this young band, because they are a bit different.

Rating: 7+ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
06/02/2011 18:17