CoC : Str@in - Purge : Review

Str@in - _Purge_
(Musica Alternativa, 1999)
by: Pedro Azevedo (4 out of 10)

Portugal's Str@in released this Clawfinger-influenced (except for the vocals) debut full-length of theirs through Musica Alternativa a few months ago. I saw them live back then, supporting Genocide, and I felt they lacked both originality and real talent, which is a dangerous combination. _Purge_ confirms most of what I expected after that concert. With music that tends to sound too close to other bands of the same genre, and combining repetitive, downright basic guitar riffs with uninspired interludes and mediocre spoken/shouted vocals, Str@in just can't seem to imbue their songs with any real power. It all sounds too predictable and generic, especially their attempts at contrast between the subdued and the more aggressive sections. Lacking originality is one thing, but Str@in, although not terrible, aren't even good at what they do.

Contact: malternativa@ip.pt

(article published 5/3/2000)