M.O.D. (Method Of Destruction) - Red, White And Screwed   

Outspoken Milano returns and delivers

Although it's been claimed countless times before in the past, it seems that the release of their extended E.P. Rise Of The Infidels back in August 2007 (Through Nuclear Blast Records) finally marks the last word on the legendary crossover/thrash act S.O.D. (Stormtroopers Of Death). But while one group is laid to rest, another is seemingly reborn, as vocalist Billy Milano has once again resurrected his long running M.O.D. project for the follow up to their 2003 release The Rebel You Love To Hate. It would seem that Milano's relocation from his native New York to Austin (Texas) has inspired him once again, with M.O.D.'s eighth album Red, White And Screwed showing a maturity in Milano that has until now remained shadowed by his political incorrectness and stabs at all manners of musical genres.

But from the moment Balls On Bread is unleashed, it's clear that this is a far cry from anything from M.O.D.'s last release. The incredibly proficient machine backing Milano (Who plays bass on the album, and is joined by ex-Skinlab/Lääz Rockit guitarist Scott Lee Sargeant and Anthem drummer Derek 'Lennon' Lopez) certainly know their way around the old school hardcore/crossover/thrash roots sound, which is the perfect vehicle for Milano's biting lyrical attacks on controversial topics and his barking half yell/half talking monotone vocal delivery. Alphabet City Stomp (A song in which Milano name checks those dearly departed from the scene since his bouncing days at CBGB's), the fast paced Red, White And Screwed and the scathing Dance Around With Snakes show that Milano has lost none of hardcore roots or his bite in the lyrical sense.

But for all the seriousness of the former tracks, Milano isn't afraid to throw in the odd less than serious track. Tracks such as The Big It, where Milano gives the finger to those who care to have a go at him, Suicide Bomb Pop, Jose Can You See?, G.L.E.T. (Greatest Lies Ever Told), where the band take the piss out of Metallica and King Diamond, and the politically motivated Bullshit Politics are filled with enough sarcasm to bring a huge grin to your face. As for the rest of the album, Milano remains surprisingly serious, for the most part. Tracks such as Hardcore Harry (A stab at those from the old school calling for unity), Speaking Truth To Power and We Are Nothing are full of Milano's trademark sarcasm, but based around some fairly serious topics.

For most, M.O.D. was simply Milano's own personal extension of S.O.D, and given some of their releases in the past, it's a fair assessment. But based on the strength of M.O.D.'s latest effort, it's clear that Milano wants his group to be remembered as something more than a parody act. Red, White And Screwed is a serious and mature effort from Milano. And the added bonus is that it also seriously rocks as well.

(Index Entertainment/AmpHead Music Distribution And Promotions)

Added: January 18th 2008
Reviewer: Justin Donnelly
Score:
Related Link: Official Website
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