Formerly known as Krete, Iowa metallers Absent have a solid 5 song demo here, which was originally released in 1999 when they were known as Krete. Vocalist, Ryan Berrier (who also played drums for Marcato), has an amazing vocal range. The music on the opening track, "Nothing," hits a fukcing nerve and just pounds your face. It's a quite brutal, yet at the same time melodic song. It's a shame that Absent broke up recently, they had what it takes to make it big in the industry. Their live show was very intense to say the least!!!
Chad Fletcher/ Killing Spree Records
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Hatred - "Kill It" (2001 E.P.) Review by Chad Fletcher
I have seen Hatred live many times, and they have the best show i have ever seen! This 3 song EP proves that Hatred were one of the mightiest bands in a once amazing Minneapolis scene. With this recording, Hatred have captured the intensity of a live Hatred show. The best track on this EP in track 2, "Open Bleeding Suffer." Vocalist, Steve Wolfe (who is nearly 7 foot tall!) has one of the most solid voices in metal. I'm not sure what Steve is doing now, since Hatred has broken up, but Hatred guitarists Shirantha Fernando and Charlie P. are now in a band called Attack. I'm not sure what bassist Ryan Zedler and drummer Peter Zedler are up to these days. Will the world ever see a Hatred reunion? Let's fucking hope so!!! While together, this EP along with a brutal live show gained the band a huge following throughout the midwest. The opened for alot of national bands including American Headcharge, Coal Chamber and Drowning Pool to name a few. In fact, Dave Williams (RIP) of Drowning Pool was a huge Hatred fan.
Chad Fletcher / Killing Spree Records
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Spikelab - "Bring It On" (Demo 2002) Review by Chad Fletcher
Spikelab's sound is like old-school thrash mixed with early NYHC style. This 3 song demo is the only release by the short-lived band, who were together just over a year. Spikelab vocalist, Ed, looks like Dee Snyder's charecter from Strangeland! He has a very unique vocal style which reminds me of Earth Crisis. Drummer, Jerry St. Martin, is one of the most overlooked drummers in the underground scene. He is a very solid drummer, who used to be the blastmaster for the mighty Anal Blast!! Spikelab are no longer together, but if you can find a copy of this demo somehow (good luck!!), then pick it up, don't be an idiot!!!
Chad Fletcher / Killing Spree Records
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Rivkit - "A Good Excuse Too Die" (2004 E.P.) Review by Chris Jonez
You just can't beat some good ol' Minneapolis metal. Rivkit are definately a heavy sounding band, but they can get quite melodic at times as well. Bassist, Tony T., really caught my attention on this recording (probably because I myself am a bassist). Drummer, Chris, delivers punchy beats, while guitarists Scott and Nick slam out some hard-hitting crunchy riffs. The most unique part of Rivkit is vocalist, Tony E. One minute he's getting down to some hardcore screaming and out of nowhere he switches it up to some clean emotional vocals. Track 2 "Local Martyr," is an amazing song, eventhough it is a bit of a mainstream sounding song. It has the potential to make national airwaves. The band also sent me a very cool music video of the song. I would not be suprised to hear Rivkit polluting the airwaves all around the nation very soon. If you're down with Minneapolis metal, then check out these bad motherfuckers!!!
www.rivkit.net www.myspace.com/rivkit
-Chris Jonez (Killing Spree Records)-
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Entropy - "Smiles For Stabwounds" (2005 FTB Records) Review by Chris Jonez
Entropy, an old local favorite to many, have relocated from Spooner,Wisconsin to St.Paul, Minnesota. They have a new lineup and a somewhat new, softer sound. This band labels themselves "melodic metal," but are starting to lose the "metal" part of that label. They have stemed into more of a soft-melodic metal style, which i cannot really get into. While Entropy were located in Spooner, they were alot more "hardcore" and had an "I don't give a fuck" attitude!! Now they have turned into a pussy band with a new pussy bassist, who does not belong in the band. Adrian has always been one of my favorite drummers in the local scene, and Ben Poulin has always had a great voice which he has really learned how to use over the years. Even if I don't get into the new sounbd of Entropy, I always love listening to Ben sing. You guys need to kick out your new bassist, get over the bad blood with ex-bassist, Josh Alto, and get back to your heavier roots!!!
www.entropy1.com www.myspace.com/entropymn
-Chris Jones (Killing Spree Records)-