A thousand years ago (or maybe it was just thirty) I hosted the "loud music" show on my college radio station (KCOU, University of Missouri). A listener could expect to hear NOFX, Nomeansno, Killdozer, Godflesh, Napalm Death, Anthrax, Queensryche, Poster Children and Iron Maiden (always). Let's just say I was ecumenical in my definition of "metal," which is one reason I changed the name from Hard Rock Cafe to Something Loud (another reason would be that "Hard Rock Cafe" is simply dreadful). Maggot Heart would fit right in.

Maggot Heart Mercy Machine (Rapid Eye)

Linnea Olsson's outfit blasts its way through rugged songs that don't so much veer from sound to sound as they incorporate and assimilate a wide range of punk, rock and metal songs. Olsson's vocals are the punkiest element. She's got a sneer that could strip paint off water towers. The guitars have a bit of a metal edge, but they stick to muscular 70s rock riffage with just enough off-handed punk attitude to keep them regular. The songs themselves have that thick, technical sound of early 70s Sabbath or Deep Purple.

Brooklyn Vegan drops B.O.C. into that mix, and I can hear that, too. The best modern comparison I can think of would be D.C. weirdos Caustic Casanova (who also happen to be one of my favorites these days). Olsson has found the sweet spot between Bad Religion and Dio--one that I didn't know even existed. But I dare you to listen to the title track and tell me I'm even remotely off base.

I've been listening to this album for a couple of weeks, trying to get my head around it. But that's the wrong approach. After hearing a few seconds, this will either entrance or frighten. Preferably both, but Maggot Heart is definitely going for a visceral reaction. Punk wins out, but only by a (pierced) nose. One of the most thrilling albums I've heard this year.

Jon Worley