American Head Charge are not a new band by any means, having already managed to generate a substantial following in the Midwest area through both constant gigging and their impressive indie album "Trepanation". But past efforts aside, it is with this their major label debut, that the bulk of the world will be introduced to them and what a startling introduction it is. Looking like they walked right out of a "Mad Max" movie, the convulsing, forceful modern metal assault this 7 piece create could best be summed up as the combative soundtrack to a killing spree set in a neo post apocalyptic world. Rife with eerie nine inch nails reminiscent samples, chugging guitar riffs and versatile vocals, the music draws similarities to a twisted mix of Nothingface, Faith No More and Mudvayne.

Band frontman Martin Cock's combination of paranoia inducing melodic croons and savagely vicious screams suggest nods to Mike Patton at times, yet they also have enough grit and intensity to make them show shades of a more creative and colorful version of Fear Factory's Burton C. Bell. The guitar playing laid down here is generously loose, using ample distortion and a style that is for the most part steeped within practices of modern metal, though it is by no means derivative, at times even bringing to mind the raw and charging energy of groups like Snot. The bass parts are fairly detuned and are played with a chunky percussive style that adds a slack rumbling layer to the mix, while the drum work is calculated and utilizes thick rolls and dulled snare hits atop of the occasional eruption of pummeling double kick, constructing a distinctively well varied rhythm section in the process. However, despite the group's sound being fairly instrument driven, the sampling and programming that is in place is what helps take them to an entirely different level, using a wealth of schizophrenic noises, booming bass drops and looming ambiance to give the music a bleak and futuristic aural imagery.

From start to finish this effort is a talented display of edgy musicianship that is littered with diverse, visceral aggression. The way it creates an uneasy balance between throbbing distorted bombast and spiraling melody is definitely a strong point and the whole vibe of the band from the look down to the lyrical content is like a one way trip straight through the heights of maniacal depravity. The song structures veer off without warning, yet somehow manage to retain their momentum and the contrast of breakdowns and unexpected part changes almost literally force the listener to pay attention, as the brooding material hideously mutates into something more sickening with each passing second. Admittedly, as a whole the collection of songs here can tend to sound a bit too similar to each other, leaving the listener in somewhat of a slump around midway through, but though the band don't necessarily experiment with extreme highs and lows, they do establish a distinct sound that keeps each track progressive and menacing, something which the bulk of today's contemporary heavy acts lack. American Head Charge are unquestionably a controversial band, their name, image and soon to be infamous onstage antics alone are enough to establish that. Thankfully though, in a world of copycats and fake appearances, they also have the music, the message and the genuine intensity to back it up, all of which suggests that the war they are waging is only just beginning.