Corruption--Hellectrify Yourself
MVD 2004
It sure is a big world out there. As much as the "stoner rock" and doom metal communities have grown over the last half decade, you'd figure just about every one of their hidden gems would be unearthed by now. Not so. Having operated as a band for over a decade, Poland's Corruption have been keeping it downtuned and riffed out in virtual obscurity all this time. Their new DVD Hellectrify Yourself seeks to right that wrong with its unbelievable quality and unaffected resolve. It's an impressive and crushing introduction for the uninitiated.
In terms of style, Corruption are self-proclaimed purveyors of "stoner rock." However, their chunkified brand of heaviness actually falls closer under the umbrella of grooved doom. There is a very distinct Ethereal Mirror-era Cathedral vibe flowing through Hellectrify Yourself, both in the songs from the videotaped concerts and the bonus audio tracks. The first two songs of the show featured as the main program, "Intro/Blasting Foreskins" and "Flying Carpet," even venture into traditional doom territory, sweet harmony riffing making those cuts somewhat reminiscent of Hungary's Mood (R.I.P.). "The Angel And The Beast" sees the band rocked out a bit more in Sabbath-esque mode, while that Cathedral oomph really shines on the band's killer arrangement of Black Sabbath's "Paranoid." Corruption play here with conviction and intensity to spare, as the audience eats it up. You will, too.
One thing Hellectrify Yourself makes clear, both musically and in the interview portion of this DVD, is that the band haven't been too corrupted (no pun intended) by "scene." These guys play what they want and how they want because they genuinely dig it--not for any other reason. No better example is there of that fact than Corruption's song "Junkie." Possessing all the aforementioned doom/doom-related qualities, this one also features a funk-infused bassline, along with chorused guitar passages which almost recall early Cure or Siouxsie and the Banshees. If you know much about the "stoner rock" scene, you know it has more or less killed itself out with parody. This cut boasts the kind of original sound and style that genre could've used as its ship was just starting to sink.
Regardless, "stoner rocker" and doomer alike are encouraged to pick up a copy of Hellectrify Yourself. Always solid and sometimes innovative, Corruption are a band who deserves to be much better known than they are. Hopefully, this DVD will help rectify that a bit. These dudes really do seem to be sincere and stoked about music, so give them a chance. If these styles are part of your bag, you won't be disappointed.
Score this DVD directly from MVD
|
