Shockwave

Shockwave: Omega Supreme: The Complete CoOmega Supreme: The Complete Co (2001)
Triple Crown Records

Reviewer Rating: 2.5

Contributed by: maverickScott
(others by this writer | submit your own)
Published on December 27th 2001I've never been much for chugga-chugga hardcore. Or most hardcore in general, for that matter. I just never got into it or even understood it, for that matter. The few hardcore bands I get into, I have reasons: Boy Sets Fire [their amazing lyrics], Fuel [they set the stage for Hot Water Music], R.

I've never been much for chugga-chugga hardcore. Or most hardcore in general, for that matter. I just never got into it or even understood it, for that matter. The few hardcore bands I get into, I have reasons: Boy Sets Fire [their amazing lyrics], Fuel [they set the stage for Hot Water Music], Refused [fucking amazing], Jud Jud [if you don't know, then I can't tell you]. But most "real" hardcore slips by me. Shockwave doesn't do much to stop the slippage.

Shockwave is a 6 man collective that seems to be obsessed with Transformers. There's worse things to be obsessed with, I guess. The album itself is actually a compilation of all the band's work to date, from 1996 to 2001. The CD kicks off with a brand new track, "Bruticus," and then has their Autohate LP, Dominicon EP, Warpath 7", and two demo tracks, "Ironside" and "Buzzsaw," in that order. As I listen to the CD and expect to hear the typical regression in sound and talent from release to release, I am surprised that it is not there. This is partly because the majority of the songs sound the same. How can you mess up moshcore, anyways? Throw in a few breakdowns for floorpunching and everything is good. The only real difference in tracks is the recording quality, which is definitely evident in the 2 demo tracks. They are much muddier than the rest.

The band's devotion to Transformers does add some flavor to their otherwise repetitive moshcore sound on this album. Their liner notes and cover art look really fucking cool, to be blunt, decorated with various Transformers related artwork. The majority of the songs contain some sort of soundbite from the Transformers cartoons. While there are no lyrics included, I can give you some of the song titles and you can probably guess what they're about: Warpath, Bombshell, Devestator, Blood Drinkers, Shrapnel. I could list the entire track listing but you get the point. Also of note: the majority of the songs seem to take their names from various Transformers. These guys seem to have an unhealthy obsession, but from looking at their pictures on the inside, there's no way in hell I'm going to tell them that.

To sum the album and the band up, it's not bad for what it is, but it just isn't for me. I'm afraid to say anything more for fear of being hunted down and killed like a sewer rat.

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Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not respon sible for them in any way. Seriously.

Anonymous (September 25, 2005)

I agree with the last comment, you have no idea what you are talking about.

You said you did not like much hardcore, then why are you reviewing hardcore bands and giving your opinion about the band.

Anonymous (September 4, 2005)

You're an idiot. Plain and simple. Boy Sets Fire over Shockwave? Fuel? Piss off.

Shockwave is the best band to grace hardcore. Ever. They are a great group of guys who play incredible music. They know their hardcore and they are one of the most entertaining hardcore bands around. I can't believe you mentioned Fuel in the same review as Shockwave. Start listening to good music, for example, xDisciplex AD, and No Innocent Victim, as suggested above (or below, where ever my comment ends up). Either way, you listen to bad music.

ty_brown (January 11, 2002)

"how do you mess up up moshcore?"

fuck you! take your head outta your ass, more like how do you mess up skatepunk?

lose the life fruit!

jeffx (January 1, 2002)

Well I respect your opinions... don't worry

but anyway, perhaps you don't know who is in the band. Members of so many well-established hardcore bands such as Disciple AD, No Innocent Victim, Dodgin Bullets and more. So I think the reason why Shockwave are so popular even though (I agree with you) their songs are anything but original, is because so many people like the other bands they're from. Anyway sometimes I just feel like putting some loud aggressive shit so I pop in something like Shockwave or Slapshot. Ya know? then you can go listen to Maharahj and Dillenger Escape and whatnot.

Anonymous (December 28, 2001)

I've never heard Shockwave, but you did mention Jud Jud in your review, so thats pretty cool. 5 stars for that.

-CG