Vatican Chainsaw Massacre

According to VCM vocalist Kevin Sheeler, and the album title, Hazy Skies Over Martha's Vineyard has an overt political slant. That's fine and dandy but in all honesty one might be too wrapped up in the band's old school crossover attack, revised with the new guard's brawny presence, to really notice what's going on lyrically. From Sheeler's barking, reminiscent of Nine Shocks Terror, to drummer Nicholas Daleo's scissor beats and bassist David O'Conner and guitarist Pat Marshall's fuzzy strings on the verge of blowing up from the strain of overdrive, Hazy Skies unites the cavernous bellowing of Cursed with the rabid vehemence of Disrupt. It's terrific that Sheeler has enough gumption to ensure his words weigh heavy but ultimately he could be shrieking about how much he loves puppies and this album would still be outstanding.