Search - Substance D :: Addictions

THE heavy music album of the year!

11/15/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Unbelieveably "addictive" mind-boggling extreme and heavy music. How come more people aren't talking about them? I have been reading about them on the web and decided to take a chance on Addictions. I have never been compelled to write an online review before but now I too am addicted. The thing is, I'm not afraid to admit it. Addictions begins with the moody, trippy "Devil Inside" and then substAnce D unleashes its fury with "Everyday", my favorite track on the CD. It seems that almost every one of the 17 songs (a great value) is linked together by a brief scene setting audio tidbit. While some may think these detract from the music, I find that they set the mood and spirit for the next track. Other favorites include a tongue and cheek look at life in California on the aptly named "California", "My Life" and "Tweek"This is not some shodily produced metal album. Despite being really extreme and heavy with bits of industrial music thrown in, the production level is stellar. There is plenty of layering and nifty effects going on to let you know that these 3 guys are not just head banging musicians. They do think and they do get it.I guess you could say that Addictions is almost a concept album dealing with addictions to drugs, sex, computers, vanity, etc. from cover to cover. Just one spin and you too will be addicted to substAnce D. Bet you can't kick the habit!"

A new SoCal addiction

E. Peltier | North Arlington, New Jersey United States | 05/02/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If being a successful SoCal metal band requires you to wear trendy cloths, combine the lesser aspects of emo and hip hop together into your music and posture like a rock star of bygone eras than count Substance D out. However, if admonishing the trends and breaking musical ground by incorporating the best aspects of a multitude of loud genres is more your style than Addictions will have you hooked for years to come. To the passing ear this LACA trio might be written off as the next generation of indsutrial influenced metal with thier sampling and near-mechanical rhythmic percision. On the surface this might be enough to even entice the passive listerns attention. However, the real addition occurs upon closer inspection. A metronomical bottom end of bass and drums innitially propels the sound while thrash inspired guitar lines are layered above it. Unpretentous lyrical delivery by bassists/vocalist Todd Chaisson, accuentuated by the varrious inflections of Michael Parnin on guitar/vocals is then injected subtle, yet potent doses. The perform as one unit in the way that power trios were meant to, tight and unwavering with enough finesse in their delivery to provide that more than a subtle brain-aching effect. Substance D's continuous social comentary, focusing on SoCal life in the latter half of the twentith century in poingant and insightful. Filled with riddling interpretations of everyday life in both the lyrical content and audio samples, the trio explores the depths of addiction and recovery beyond the obvious narcotic references. The self producted follow-up to their debut Black (F.A.D. records) represents more than a coming of age for the trio. It is a defining inspiration for their continued battle again the medocracy of the LACA metal scene, proto-industrial metal and the current socio-polotical environment. If you are ready to ingest a new and innovative metalic pill than Substance D represents the addiction you have been craving, otherwise generic, over-commercialized metal is ready to fill your viens and consume your brain."

Metal at its best!

Jeff Hamm | Camarillo, CA United States | 12/20/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Substance D rocks our senses with a monster album. Addictions starts to hit you hard from the get go and doesn't relent until the entire CD has played out. The track, California, is by far the best one on the album with its non-stop, fast-paced heavy metal action, but that doesn't mean it's the only good song. It's one of the few CD's I can listen to straight through. Addictions is a great addition to any head-banger's collection and is a great buy. This CD is perfect the the metal fan looking for a fix; not only will you get it, but it lasts so long...the perfect rush. If you don't have it, get it now! You won't regret the purchase, I guarantee."