CD Review - Generation Kill - We're All Gonna Die (2013 Nuclear Blast Records)

Generation Kill - We're All Gonna Die (2013 Nuclear Blast Records)

Generation Kill was started by Exodus front man Rob Dukes, and Rob Mochetti ex-Pro Pain, M.O.D. The bands debut album "Red, White, and Blood" was in the vein that was expected, given the groups thrash and hardcore roots. "We're All Gonna Die", is a mature progression for Generation Kill, who have added second guitarist Jason Velez, and ex-Merauder drummer Jim DeMaria. The DNA that is in the band, just screams thrash with hardcore breakdowns and violent rage laden vocals. Yep, go ahead and say it, what else could the record be? News flash....... "We're All Gonna Die" is a melodic groove filled record, with the thrash that is expected. What's that? Rob's vocals are just screams and angst filled diatribes against government and religion? Welcome to Rob's closet. The place where he keeps his melodic side. I know , I know the lead singer of Exodus not screaming his ass off ? Oh Rob still delivers the goods there, but adds a new dimension that nobody knew he had. More importantly pulls it off with ease. 

The subject matter covered by Exodus touches on topics such as government, religion, and things that piss a lot of people in society off. If I were to write a song based on things I see that piss me off I could probably do it. Many people can write about things they see that piss them off and effects them. That's why we are all in a band right? You get my point. On "we're All Gonna Die", Generation Kill touch on some of the "standard" topics so to speak. They also touch on self evaluation,reflection, and rationalization. They talk about "carny freaks", and loss. A very mature record that incorporates thunderous, tight drumming, razor sharp leads, thick breakdowns, with thick catchy riffs, and violent solos.

Overall, I give "We're All Gonna Die", and 8.5 out of 10. The opening track "Born to Serve" gets things going at a feverish pace, and is some damn good thrash. "Death Comes Calling" is the track that made me have a new found respect for Rob and his vocal delivery. He fits in perfect with Exodus, and steps out of that zone here and  incorporates melody in his delivery. As a fan of the members of Generation Kill's previous or current bands, this really showed a side to these musicians that I didn't know was there before. When I listen to "We're All Gonna Die", I think to myself, so this is what Hellyeah would kind of sound like if they were good. With Generation Kill, they don't force anything and try to do something they couldn't pull off to fit into a niche that so many bands try to do today.It is all organic, and if you are a fan of thrash, melodic grooves, or metal in general, check this album out. It will be in the rotation for some time to come.

Tracklist:

1- Born To Serve

2- Prophets of War

3- Death Comes Calling

4- Friendly Fire

5- Carny Love

6- Vegas

7- There Is No Hope

8- We're All Gonna Die