Search - Spineshank :: Strictly Diesel

A Nice, Healthy Dosage Of Melodic Metal

Andrew Estes | Maine | 04/01/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Spineshank have never been a perfect band, far from consistent, but with this, their 1998 debut album, they definitely show what they are capable of, with melding their heavy metal influences with a more stream-lined, catchy song-writing dynamic -- which, ultimately, led to the exit of frontman Johnny Santos. Santos is more than just the average nu-metal howler. The guy has a very distinctive sound, ranging through some hair-raising screams to a very smooth singing voice. The band's music is, despite not having much identity, very competent and can give their peers in more popular groups a run for their money. The album was produced by Jay Baumgardner (Papa Roach, Seether) and Orgy guitarist Amir Derakh. If you just look at the resumes of these guys, or where they come from, you'll know what to expect from their work on Spineshank's debut. Although it's not as electronic and hooky as the follow-up, "The Height Of Callousness" or as schizophrenic as their third, "Self-Destructive Pattern," "Strictly Diesel" is still a solid album that will, no doubt, appeal to all fans of nu-metal (yes, this is nu-metal, proof that the genre ain't so bad). The problem with this album, however, is that a lot of the songs just melt into each other and don't have much variety to them. A few standouts include "Detached," "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" (a cover of the classic Beatles song) and "Stain," the closing track that features guest vocals by Fear Factory frontman Burton C. Bell. Personally, whenever I put this album in, these are the songs I tend to gravitate towards. Not that the rest of the album is bad, it's just too much of the same. They definitely got better with their future albums, it's just too bad the original line-up isn't together anymore. If you want to take a little trip through time, back to when nu-metal was at it's peak and was actually spawning good music, Spineshank's "Strictly Diesel" is a good choice. Hell, even if you just want good songwriting and great vocals in your metal, it's worth a shot."

First Rate Industrial Electro-Goth For the Masses

Amir Tajakin | Orange, California | 03/17/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Spineshank has really struck gold with this one. From the opening screams on Intake to the mind-bending duet with Burton C. Bell on Stain (Start the Machine), Spineshank prove themselves worthy of such a great record label, Roadrunner. The best song here is definately the single, Detatched, which weaves a tale of agony and mysteriously swirls like mist when there are no voices. (Sorry, had to use the Coal Chamber reference) Other good songs are Strictly Diesel, Where We Fall, and While My Guitar Gently Weeps, with Amir Derakh on Synth Guitar. The only problem with it is the echoing cry of "Start the Machine." It appears more than once in the album and gets annoying. Otherwise, this is a great purchase. Other bands I recommend are Fear Factory, Orgy, and Deadsy."

Solid debut

Amir Tajakin | 12/16/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"On Spineshanks second release they find their own sound while producing some complex arrangements and lots of overall heaviness. This is there debut release and though it lacks the heaviness and originality of the "Height of Callousness" it is still an essential buy for any true fan. There is plenty of good songs on this album, each track molding into the next perfectly (even know the songs have a similar structure and a couple of songs have very similar riffs), the best songs are Shinebox, where we fall, Detached the surprisingly well done cover of the Beatles While my Guitar gently weeps..and the awesome duet on the album closer Stain featuring Fear Factory's Burton C Bell. The production is excellent and Jonny Santos vocal range is evident on every track.This album signals the beginning of a great nu metal band, the best is yet to come."