Lionize – Destruction Manual (Hardline Entertainment, 2011)

by Dave Sharp on Jan 30^th, 2011

After listening to Lionize’s new album, Destruction Manual, I’m not sure if there is anything this band can’t do. The Maryland-based band produces a cool reggae sound infused with heavy metal rifts enhanced lead singer Nathan Bergman’s suave — yet surprisingly rough — vocals. The concept of this infusion may turn off potential listeners, but fear not; Lionize seamlessly brings all aspects together, creating a sound that’s catchy, powerful and overall just cool. Any given song will start out with some heavy guitar rift and then enter into a smooth reggae beat. The strong, classic organ sound mixes perfectly with the metal influences while Mel Randolph’s drums and Henry Upton’s bass give each song the perfect beat to just bob your head to.

The contrast of the album sounding very metal and very reggae at the same time, while making it unique and refined, also offers some down sides. If your ear bores easily with either of these, this album with probably have you nodding off at times. Other times the album seems repetitive, causing thoughts like, “Didn’t I hear this song already?” Bergman’s voice delivers great sounds for the songs the band makes; however his voice isn’t too dynamic. It almost seems formulaic like he has a certain tone for each sound.

Despite these complaints and if you can get past the genre-induced restrictions of metal-reggae, the album remains fun and offers uniqueness. If you can’t get past those restrictions, maybe the band’s interesting lyrics will draw you in, but little else will.

Destruction Manual releases Feb. 8, 2011 on Hardline Entertainment.  They will play March 6 at Mercy Lounge with Clutch.

Reviewer: Matt Sharp