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Keelhaul

Subject To Change Without Notice (2003)
Hydra Head Records

Reviewer Rating:

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

Published on January 16th 2004

Whenever I read a band’s press release and notice that they’re on Hydrahead my interest is immediately piqued. This label has consistently put out music that might not be guaranteed to sell, but music that they believe in, and you have to admire that. Keelhaul’s latest album is just another quality release in a growing catalog.

This album is aptly titled “Subject To Change Without Notice,” as Keelhaul is prone to unexpected tempo and stylistic shifts. Everyone in the band is extremely skilled wit their instruments and they’re not afraid to show it off. The guitars bounce back and forth between being sludgy and some more intricate riffing and the drumming is some of the most frantic and complex this side of Mastodon. The vocals are secondary to the rest of the music, and it’s not out of the ordinary to have very long instrumental pieces, but this doesn’t bother me in the least. Keelhaul isn’t afraid to take a break from the chaos either, offering up “The Tits of War” with its classic rock riffage. This is one of those bands that aren’t easy to classify, call them math metal if you wish, but they don’t easily squeeze into any genre. I’d say they’re somewhat comparable to Knut, but overall, I enjoy this band more.

Complex, chaotic, heavy, and never dull, if this album isn’t on your “need to get” list, then throw your list away and write a new one. I was surprised to see this album absent from so many top ten lists, but then again, I too forgot to mention it in mine. This album is a slap in the face to all of the bands that have been putting out formulaic, predictable music that’s devoid of passion and vision. Fans of other heavy, yet progressive bands like Mastodon should look into this.

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Anonymous (August 13, 2004)

they are amazing! i saw them live some months ago and i still have the chill! the album builds up so much emotional tension that by the time you hear the guy ranting at the ending phonecall you are completely melted. they have the technique, they have the style, they have the revolutionary ideas; still, they don't have the money... People are saying that they are about to split up because they don't have enough money to stop working and concentrate on their music. Yet in this world Britney Spears is having lobster and has a moronic corporate robot write her stuff and Linkin Park are still allowed to make "music" for the mentally challenged... Phew! Anyway, KEELAHAUL ROCKS!!!

JonLCFmag (January 18, 2004)

this record is awesome. HH does it again. I hadn't really given them a proper listen, but I like this album a lot.

Anonymous (January 18, 2004)

This review was good, but here's how I would make it better:

1. See, in my case, whenever I read a band’s press release and notice that they’re on Hydrahead I smear butter on my jawline in a perfect angle to Troy's throw rug.

2. I used to eat smart balance brand margarine because it's supposed to lower your cholesterol but it's synthetic and not good for you.

3. Where have all the Mastodons gone?

4. Kind of like where have all the cowboys gone for the Ice Age.

Anonymous (January 18, 2004)

this band almost blew the walls off my house a few years ago.

soulbleed (January 17, 2004)

this album isn't as good as their past releases.

Anonymous (January 17, 2004)

that was a bold statement.

Jesse (January 16, 2004)

This score is for Punknews reviewers. Get prepared, I'm about to join your ranks. I'll def check this band out Fo'ty. (That's the way we say it in the g-g-g-ghetto)

FortyMinutesWest (January 16, 2004)

You mean I can make people hate me AND get free CDs? VIVA AMERICA! VIVA PUNKNEWS!

dignin (January 16, 2004)

I concur, you are a faggot.

Anonymous (January 16, 2004)

this score is for fortyminuteswest, you faggot.

Anonymous (January 16, 2004)

This band is pretty damn good and hydra head is a great label.

- Drunken Butterfly