Second release from Ontario based Rumsfield and in the world of post Nu Metal, these guys are making all the right noises. On the evidence of “Terrible Times”, this is a band that could easily slip onto an Ozzfest line-up and box their collective weight with confidence. Whilst not overly original, they’ve blended elements of classic thrash and used some obvious influences, Disturbed, Drowning Pool and Machine Head can all be heard and the overall soundscape is one of brutal, street smart metal that drags the dying embers of Nu-Metal to the next level. 

What gives Rumsfield a refreshing edge is their use of vocal effects to create different dynamics; brooding sections give way to full on crunch mode. What Disturbed manage to create with a single guitar is doubled up and compressed giving a very heavy result bordering on Slipknot sensibilities. In fact the whole album strangely smacks of a mature Slipknot, in intensity rather than comic book presentation. 

The two singles “Blister” and “Mass Heart Attack” define the attitude and are perfect for the Scuzz/Kerrang/MTV playlists without being commercial in any way. Vocally the band mix things up with some broody melody and the obligatory shout fest but it’s mixed up in such a way to allow a sense of tension. I’d be interested in hearing the band’s first album “Violent Mood Swings” to get an overall idea of their thinking and see how they’ve developed, this is a band to watch, confident and mature with more than a few good ideas. Their website www.rumsfield.com offers sound and video clips which are definitely worth a look and I suspect that “Terrible Times” will be a worthy springboard for a band that are going places.

Let us know your views on 'Terrible Times'

Track List

Black And Blue
Blister
Die Again
Escape
Grrl
Layers
New Design of Beauty
Mass Heart Attack
Soapscum
Stray
Too Late

Line Up

Dean Scott - Vox, Guitar
Eric Turner - Bass
Luke Scott - Drums, Vox
Mike Lefort - guitar