I am not one for real hard fisted /industrial/electro type metal music, and I pretty much stay away from reviewing such noise. But as I always tell my kids, “If you don’t try something you don’t think you like, you may never know if you will like it”.

I will also state I don’t like violent yelling, where you never understand the statement or the aggression, and that is in part why I shy away from reviewing this type of genre! RIVETHEAD a Dallas based heavy metal/industrial band, shines through all of the above.

Is it heavy? Fuck yea! Do they yell? Fuck Yea! Can you understand the vocals? A big Fuck yea! That is a first, and says a lot to me about a band. If you’re going to make a statement, make a statement and don’t hide behind talentless yells and bullshit riffs.

RIVETHEAD is a true example of what I am mean. The proof is in their CD “The 13th Step” Not only am I impressed with the vocals of Steve Page, but the band is tight, in your face, shut up and pay attention, full throttle kickass!

“ It” the first cut on the CD, totally rips!! Heavy solid guitar riffs, dirty vocals and blood pumping rhythms that immediately set your head right. The music is not the typical bullshit of what I expected from this genre. There are many interesting things happening in all of their songs, including great hooks, many twists and turns and even a “Charlie in the Box” (figure it out).”Explosive”, the 3rd cut on the CD has that element. Great vocal hooks, while nails are driven into your feet! All 14 tracks have something special.

RIVETHEAD comes up nothing short on this CD. The band has all the right Rivets in place. Kevin Kerr on guitar and vocals, Derek James- Bass, vocals, Mark Halford- drums and as mentioned before Steve Page on vocals keys, guitar and sampling. You won’t find any redundant riffs or weak lyrics that usually make a CD predictable. The “13th Step” is a gem for all you head bangers out there.

I listened, I liked! RIVETHEAD kicks major ass!

Rock On!

Joe