Music for the Last Day of Your Life

Album Review

Combining the hip-hop-influenced throb of Korn with the melodic roar of Corrosion of Conformity, Dragpipe enters the music world with the savage Music for the Last Day of Your Life. Utilizing a fairly progressive combination of alternative metal moodiness and rap-rock's production techniques, the band tends to come across edgy and vital even when the material doesn't quite match the energy. The opener, "Puller," is a very Godsmack-esque anthem that features a memorable hook but leaves a little to be desired. The same can't be said for "Simple Minded," the thrashing stoner rock anthem that is blatantly the best song found here. Finally, "Playing for Keeps" is the most mainstream track on the album, featuring Korn-style guitar theatrics and a simplistic chorus that should keep heads banging nicely. For the most part, this offers dynamic stoner rock that isn't afraid to dramatically shift tempo or add bizarre production techniques if it improves the song. On top of that, they have a hidden weapon in vocalist Jai Diablo, who is a genuine talent with his strained roar and claustrophobic lyrics. There's nothing essential here, but as a debut album this gives a clear view into the dirty and drug-influenced world of Dragpipe.