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I approach the checkout, wriggling like a salmon swimming upstream amidst the pre-Christmas shopping spree chaos, with my promising (?) Calla album in hand, when suddenly my compulsive attention is piqued by a cover that has absolutely nothing festive about it.
On the listening wall, this grim and sinister reaper is proudly displayed with his scythe in sharp and surreal contrast to the lights, glitter, and the Bocelli background music that blares throughout the store. I place the headphones on my still-hypertrichous head despite my impending fortieth birthday, and I prepare to listen. It kicks off ... a riff heavier than all of Santa's reindeer, a guttural scream, and then we're off with a gallop with a heavily metallic flavor that unfolds over the four tracks of this EP that is set to precede the 2010 release. As I flip the CD and stare at the five shadowy figures that Lombroso would not have hesitated to classify as potential criminals, I realize that I'm not listening to anything particularly innovative.
The references to Motorhead (though the voice tone is considerably less grating than Lemmy's) and Slayer are evident, but everything is damn well played, and only God knows how much I need anger, violence, power, speed, and fury during the holidays. I believe they will serve as an indispensable release valve to help me deal with certain annoying relatives I will inevitably have to interact with due to the festivities. Therefore, I pocket it, knowing it will be my mental soundtrack even during the midnight mass!
With a sinisterly satisfied grin, I head back to the checkout, and since I don't have much cash with me (when do I ever?), I think the Calla can wait.
Happy holidays to everyone!!!
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