8 Foot Sativa
Season for Assault

What would you think if your most knowledgeable metalhead friend or your trusted shopkeeper played you a band that chose as their name the amount of marijuana they own? That they're too bold? That they've fried (I mean... smoked) their brains? 

Almost exclusively known in Europe for supporting acts like Soulfly, Slipknot, SOAD, and Motorhead on tour, 8 Foot Sativa is the most relevant band (perhaps second only to deathsters Dawn Of Azazel) that New Zealand has ever gifted us within the metal genre. They hail from the yacht-famous city of Auckland and set sail for the first time - sorry, I couldn't resist - in 2002 with the promising debut "Hate Made Me," which, though not transcendent, achieved good sales success in their homeland. They then launched the LP in question the following year, 2003, in the height of the Metalcore era. However, be careful; "Season For Assault" (unlike its successors) isn't the classic throwaway -core album; quite the contrary, I would add.

Firstly, the genre: imagine, to try to give you an idea, a hypothetical meeting halfway between the most pissed-off The Haunted and the less nihilistic Strapping Young Lad, with a splash of Scandinavian death. Putting on the CD, the first thing that strikes the ear is the compactness of the rhythm section; the bass played by Brent Fox is solid and upfront, while the drumming of newcomer Sam Sheppard is almost a revelation: precise and hammering as befits certain sounds. Also, not to be underestimated at all is the work of singer Justine Niessen (who already stormed out two weeks before the release) capable of moving with authoritative mastery from screaming to growl without losing an ounce of ferocity. But the factor that strikes me the most in SFA is the astonishing freshness of the songwriting, a real added weapon in this platter. The songs are a unique magma, to be listened to in one breath, a great example of how to play extreme music without giving up personality; examples? The fantastic "Escape From Reality" (my favorite), "What's Lost Is Tomorrow," which in its slower segments recalls some recent ideas of Napalm Death, not to mention the pyrotechnic "Gutless," with an opening riff of unprecedented violence; but, in general, there are no fillers in "Season For Assault" and the barely 40 minutes of duration really make you want to hit play again. The only flaw for me is Gary Smith's guitar work, which is not always inspired and lacks the right bite.

Some of you at this point might be thinking: 'Wow! But if they're so good, why don't I know them?' OK... now don't hit your long-haired heads against the wall (at least not before listening to them) as 8 Foot Sativa - it must be said - is not an essential or seminal ensemble, so you're perfectly justified. Moreover, in your defense, it's worth adding that after this effort, the band got a bit lost, forging a sound that was overly derivative and forcibly fashionable, with the new Matt Sheppard (the bassist's brother) at the microphone, who had a very impersonal vocal tone, eventually leading, as per recent news, to an indefinite break that will presumably result in a breakup.

Summing up, it's an attractive, lively, solid work; the best business card that the New Zealanders have given us. It will certainly appeal to those looking for something that doesn't necessarily break the mold, is heavy but catchy, unique in its kind.

Allow me to recommend you give it a listen. It could prove to be a (stunning) surprise.