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Hewhocorrupts

Ten Steps To Success (2003)
Sinister Label

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Contributed by: FortyMinutesWest
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on October 10th 2003

Rarely does a relatively unknown band garner such a polarized response. But Hewhocorrupts did that with the EP “Master of Profits”. It was filled some obvious jabs at Metallica (song titles included “Sell Em All” and “Ride the Limo”). Some critics were harsh, calling it self indulgent noise and calling the band audacious for insulting an arguably classic album, while other critics found the song titles amusing and enjoyed the music. I found myself in the latter category, and I was interested in seeing what they would offer up with this release.

“Ten Steps To Success” is grindy, thrashy album that manages to jam 10 songs into 15 minutes. Grindcore isn’t always the easiest thing to off, either it’s so insane that it’s brilliant, or so insane that’s intolerable to listen to. I wouldn’t say Hewhocorrupts has reached the level of brilliance yet, but they’re on the right track. It’s pretty clichéd by now to call a band “crazy” or “insane”, but I’m going to go ahead and say this album is crazy, particularly in terms of vocals. Ryan Durkin sounds unstable, to put it lightly. John Mendola’s drumming is typical in terms of grindcore drumming, but that’s not an insult by any means. For those you who are unaware, grindcore drummers are basically expected to be lightning quick at all times, and Mendola doesn’t disappoint. He’s no Dave Witte (formerly of Discordance Axis, whom I’ve seen this band compared to and currently of Burnt by the Sun), but I’m still impressed.

The lyrics somehow fit the music, which is no easy task. I wasn’t sure whether the lyrics were the rantings of a lunatic or just a few inside jokes, either way they were unique to say the least. Take the song “Mrs. Andretti’s Hustlers” for example: “check your answering machine/I made fun of your grandfather’s limp because the girl at Rexall needed a lift.” Get it? Neither do I.

If you’re a fan of grindcore, or crazy, or both, this album is worth a shot.

She's A Fire Engine

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cheddar (July 24, 2009)

sick sick nasty grind. this band never disappoints. if you are ever angry and feel yourself needing to beat the shit out of something... DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS RECORD UNLESS YOU INTEND ON SUCCEEDING!

Anonymous (October 16, 2003)

Fuck The Facts from Quebec is a great grindcore band. when i saw them the singer hooked his drums up to a sub-woofer

Anonymous (October 15, 2003)

there are no grindcore bands to get into.

Anonymous (October 15, 2003)

holy shit that MP3 fucking rips...
going to have to check out some more for sure.

rockinout (October 14, 2003)

dupage on the map again?
ugh

Anonymous (October 12, 2003)

I haven't heard this band, but I'm so sick of the half-literate politcal musings of nappy haired losers, I think I'd rather like the nonsensical lyrics.

-BSD

Anonymous (October 12, 2003)

one of the craizest live bands ever

Anonymous (October 12, 2003)

Super awesome CD!

Anonymous (October 12, 2003)

dude, hewhocorrupts is crazy ass shit. they rock hard. I would go as far to say that it is one of the best local shows i've ever seen. Their between song bantor and intensity cannot be matched. Psycho Scapegoat also rocks. They are playing together in chicago on nov. 9th.

TahoeJeff (October 12, 2003)

crazy shit...somewhat intriguing though...that first scream, shriek or whatever you want to call it is bad ass in that song...

Anonymous (October 12, 2003)

Pig Destroyer!!!

Anonymous (October 11, 2003)

agorphobic nosebleed

Anonymous (October 11, 2003)

im glad they took a stab at metallica. greedy bastards who havent written a good song in over a decade.

punky (October 11, 2003)

The best grind core bands:
1.Patareni
2.Agathocles
3.Cripple Bastards

FortyMinutesWest (October 10, 2003)

Discordance Axis is the best grindcore band ever.