IV

Album Review

Though most metalheads still haven't heard of them, the F*****g Champs prove with IV that they are one of the most full-on, ferocious-sounding metal acts out there. Wasting no time, they immediately flay their listeners with the first track, "What's a Little Reign?," a pulverizing number that was also featured on the soundtrack to the Italian horror film La Foresta Della Morte. Perhaps they are a bit too ironic for the metal crowd with titles such as "Thor Is Like Immortal" and "I Love the Spirit World and I Love Your Father," but fans of Venom and Iron Maiden should dig the F*****g Champs as much as the indie rock audience that usually populates their shows. IV kicks some serious booty, especially the song "NWOBHM 2," which could not rock any harder. The last track, "Extra Man," is the only one with vocals and one can only wonder why the F*****g Champs don't sing more often, because drummer Tim Soete has a fine, underutilized voice. But perhaps the F*****g Champs are destined to remain obscure. They seem to enjoy playing in front of small crowds in tiny clubs. While IV is undoubtedly a fierce record, it is an instrumental metal album, something that's still pretty out there and unheard of. ~Adam Bregman, Rovi