Review by Jack on June 25, 2002.

Why do I say a compilation? And by metal alternatives I mean the less common genres of the metal universe; stoner, doom, etc, etc. Anything not from the globalising death and black metal scenes, really. Gilla Bruja combine all the efforts of a mid 90s Sepultura tribal metal influence, with that of grind metal elements, along with sporadic industrial features with classy and cheesy TV samples, and maybe a hint of sludge/stoner rock. Sound good? Well if the truth must be known, I’m still trying to decide what to make of it all.

“Tooth and Nail” is a pretty diverse record and interesting enough to keep a Pakistani inside an Indian strip club. I mean don’t get me wrong, the concoction that Gilla Bruja whipped up with “Tooth and Nail” is hardly rocket science material, but works well enough to be sufficiently fulfilling.

The downsides of “Tooth and Nail” are also a little numerous and probably do as much harm as they do good for the four lads from the Mexican death cult (Gilla Bruja was named after a Mexican death cult). The samples of the aforementioned cheesy TV cuts, while gimmicky and able to initiate a smile on occasion do get tiring really, really quickly. The other large point of annoyance is the vocals from Paul March aka Wilda Beast. This fellow possesses a decent set of nuts and has the ability to make a fine death or grind vocalist; the downside to this is that he sounds absolutely terrible on the more industrial tracks, ‘Whipped’ being one such prime example.

However while the detractions sink this record considerably they are not really enough to relegate it to the bottom of the CD pile, in fact maybe only around half way.

Bottom Line: Initially a highly entertaining record letdown by a few weird moments and poor selection decisions by Gilla Bruja. “Tooth and Nail” is good enough to recommend to those into a different side of metal or wanting a change of upholstery.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 7
Atmosphere: 5.5
Production: 5.5
Originality: 6
Overall: 6

Rating: 6 out of 10

Review by JD on August 22, 2010.

One look at this band’s name, and you probably get the basic idea immediately to what the band is all about. Seattle’s I Declare War is not Pop or the average scream-o metal with the lead singer that could be a rougher version of a teen heartthrob that thinks Fall Out Boy is actually metal... they are a band that takes Extreme Metal.

Spewing some of the most vicious and fiendish Technical/Melodic Death/Metalcore ever put to disk, I Declare War explodes out of the speakers with incendiary rage and grabs you by the shorthairs. Amazingly musical as it is odiously heavy, the band has perfected the balance that is needed for this very excessive style of metal. With pinpoint accuracy of each note, they seem to have a sense of utter command of their metallic future.

The one and only drawback to the disk, was a wee problem with how it had been recorded. The album seemed rather overly muddy in places and the guitars are sometimes nearly lost behind the bass and drums. The wonderfully low and guttural vocals are also being muddied out in spots, to the point of being irritating. These problems cut a little fun out of the whole albums experience, but still it does not dampen the realization that this is a one Death Metal that has amazing written on it.

In all... fantastic, and I think that a little more work in the mixing phase of things, I Declare War will be the one band in the genre to watch. They have the talent, they have the ability, now is the time to do all of those wonderful ‘little things’ that will separate them from all of the other average bands.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 6
Originality: 8
Overall: 8.5

Rating: 8.1 out of 10

Review by JD on December 30, 2015.

Swedish melodic death metallers Souldrainer has been around awhile, and steadily made a name for them it seems throughout the death metal world. Cold and harsh as their country gripped in the deadest of winters, then take that feel and inject strong writing and impressive melody that makes them stand out in a scene that sometimes is crowded with all sound a likes.

I was very impressed with Souldrainer right off the bat. I loved the melodic nature of it, as if they used a bit of traditional metal to help – and have hooks that were so memorable and yet heavy. The vocals by their throat man, Marcus Edvardsson, surprised me the most. What did is this man almost reminded me of Danny Filth (Cradle of Filth) but with some solid overtones of death metal vox running through the screeching melodies and haunting phrasing.

From the harshness of the opening track "Biological Experiments" to the Swedish titled ending song – solid - is the weakest words to describe the album, as ‘fucking stand out’, ‘crazy mother fucking heavy’ and ‘out of this world inventive’ would be a better start in the descriptive department. I just call it one of the most enjoyable and accessible death metal albums I have had the pleasure of doing in a very long time.

There are a few issues I have in the recording process of the album but all are rather small and will leave well enough alone. I just enjoyed the album from start to finish, finding no weak spots in any of the ten tracks they offered. Souldrainer is a band that not only death metallers will like, but others who are not on board with the DM scene, this might get them to re-evaluate their perceptions a little. I for one, have gotten a whole shit load out of it.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Review by JD on December 30, 2015.

Swedish melodic death metallers Souldrainer has been around awhile, and steadily made a name for them it seems throughout the death metal world. Cold and harsh as their country gripped in the deadest of winters, then take that feel and inject strong writing and impressive melody that makes them stand out in a scene that sometimes is crowded with all sound a likes.

I was very impressed with Souldrainer right off the bat. I loved the melodic nature of it, as if they used a bit of traditional metal to help – and have hooks that were so memorable and yet heavy. The vocals by their throat man, Marcus Edvardsson, surprised me the most. What did is this man almost reminded me of Danny Filth (Cradle of Filth) but with some solid overtones of death metal vox running through the screeching melodies and haunting phrasing.

From the harshness of the opening track "Biological Experiments" to the Swedish titled ending song – solid - is the weakest words to describe the album, as ‘fucking stand out’, ‘crazy mother fucking heavy’ and ‘out of this world inventive’ would be a better start in the descriptive department. I just call it one of the most enjoyable and accessible death metal albums I have had the pleasure of doing in a very long time.

There are a few issues I have in the recording process of the album but all are rather small and will leave well enough alone. I just enjoyed the album from start to finish, finding no weak spots in any of the ten tracks they offered. Souldrainer is a band that not only death metallers will like, but others who are not on board with the DM scene, this might get them to re-evaluate their perceptions a little. I for one, have gotten a whole shit load out of it.

Rating: 9 out of 10