The Generals

Despite forming in 2002, the Generals are only now getting around to releasing a full-length debut and establishing themselves in the death'n'roll sub-genre. While the wait was worthwhile, the 11-track affair still reveals a band that haven't fully ingested many of their influences. From the weighty, detuned guitars and fusion of half-time double kick with the full-throttle drive of Entombed to moderate vocal influence from the likes of Pantera, these guys wear their inspirations on their sleeves. Still, it hasn't proven to be entirely detrimental to Stand Up Straight. Thick and primal, simplistic and driving, the album's blues-meets-death metal rumble feels like some beastly collaboration between Danzig and Horrific, fuelled by endless nights of spinning Wolverine Blues and Uprising. Regardless, while Stand Up Straight is a stable start, it will be more interesting to see how the Generals progress beyond their virtual plagiarism.