Cancer Bats

Punk-/hardcore-influenced metal outfit Cancer Bats have never been ones to downplay their inherently voracious tendencies and a penchant for primordial, barbaric attacks. Still, their previous releases failed to accomplish the same passionate, abrasive, ravenous onslaught that this oddly titled tertiary effort displays. Exuding enough confidence to impress without overstepping boundaries into cockiness, the album's 13 original tracks (and enthusiastic cover of the Beastie Boys' "Sabotage") are confrontational but wise, guttural and explosive yet advanced enough to be organized, delivered with patient sincerity, as opposed to overzealous rabidity. Testing the parameters of their beloved hardcore via sludgy doom, but still incensed enough to be vicious, Bears, Mayors, Scraps And Bones is almost modern day crossover reminiscent of the incestuous NOLA scene, blending the meaty swagger of Corrosion Of Conformity with Goatwhore's combativeness. For youth still unaware of those bands, this effort will surely prove a gateway drug into a world of decadent, beastly riffs. Those in the know, however, will find it a refreshing, durable kickback to some of Cancer Bats' inimitable heroes.