War of Art

Japanese version featuring a bonus track

Sirens, industrial noise, and ultra-intense vocals from singer-programmer-guitarist Martin Cock kick off The War of Art's aptly titled opening cut, "A Violent Reaction," and from there this 16-cut debut serves up more heavy nu metal bolstered with intelligent, disturbing lyrics. Like Slipknot, Mudvayne, Slayer, and other doomsayers, this seven-piece lineup's severe musical and lyrical take on modern society is more for moshing than humming, though songs like the surprisingly melodic and dynamic "Just So You Know," the spooky "Fall," and "Effigy 23" break up the grind of songs like "Seamless" and the pounding speed-metal onslaught of "Americ*** Evolving into Useless Psychic Garbage." Troubled teen types will likely worship AHC's deftly produced (by Rick Rubin), well-conceived, and fully realized songs and approach. The attention and care AHC put into the songs is evident. --Katherine Turman