Hammerlock/Limecell--Venom tribute split
Baloney Shrapnel 2003
For most of those into underground metal during the 80's, Venom were the undisputed kings of all things heavy and evil. Black metal before black metal, Venom's Motorhead-fuelled-by-Satan onslaught still holds up and is revered, to this day (rightly so). On this split 7" between Hammerlock and Limecell, Venom are paid tribute in a fashion fitting legends. This is as it should be.
First up are Hammerlock with their take on the Venom classic "Die Hard." Hammerlock's lineup is different from normal here, with Tim Green of the Fucking Champs on guitar, Baloney Shrapnel founder Jeff Skipski on lead vox, and Travis stepping back from those slots to lend background vocals. The result is an incredibly reverent take on the song that doesn't really sound like Hammerlock--there isn't a trace of Southern rock or country & western to be found here. Normally, Hammerlock not sounding like themselves would be a bad thing but not in this particular case. This extended lineup lays "Die Hard" down in grand metal style. It couldn't have been any other way.
On the other hand, Limecell do sound like themselves on their version of Venom's "Buried Alive/Live Like An Angel, Die Like A Devil." It's awesome, because their Motorhead-tinged hardcore style fits this material to a tee. Metallic and driving but retaining all the slop and rawness you'd hope for from Limecell, this outing closes the split perfectly. To evil, indeed.
If you like Hammerlock and Limecell, you'll need this split, no doubt. If you're a Venom fan who isn't familiar with either of these bands, it's worth picking up, as well. These two groups do a great job respecting the material without offering up boring color-by-numbers takes of the songs. Plus, it's a platter sure to serve as a nice appetizer before slapping on At War With Satan. You can't go wrong.
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