CD: An Agonizing Quiet Space

Home: Hamilton, NJ

Style: Hard Rock/Metal

Quote: "The music is heavy enough to start an army".

By Tristan Shook

Failsafe Nation plays just the kind of raw energetic heavy metal that I get off on. Yes I am aware that the term "heavy metal" was killed by Kurt Cobain and went out with Warrant in the very early 90's, but once you hear Failsafe Nation's Sabbath style sludge riffs mixed with speed freak metal jams you will agree that the label is justified. Besides I refuse to call anything "alt" rock fearing that I will con even more people into missing the point. Rock music is alternative in the first place. It's an expression of youthful exuberance, sexual curiosity, desperation, angst, nihilism, god, life, death, the bomb, and everything else not so easily discussed in pleasant society but nevertheless crucial to making things interesting.

Failsafe Nation's debut EP "An Agonizing Quiet Space" is a promising collection of songs that identify closely with this definition of rock 'n' roll. This metal trio could be on the verge of taking over the world. The music is heavy enough to start an army and the frequent changes of direction are perfect for inserting subliminal messages. Will you fight in the revolution? I certainly will.

Hard rock alums with good taste will like Failsafe Nation. Their sound is a bit of Tool and Soundgarden mixed with the Melvin's penchant for heavy, lurching riffs. Get it.