Grip Inc.
Incorporated

Let's say it right away, to leave no room for doubt: five years of waiting have not been in vain.
In the year of our lord 2004, the Grip Inc. return to the forefront with their latest full-length, "Incorporated." From the last studio album ("Solidify", 1999), given the long wait, some doubts had begun to creep up about the future of the Anglo-American trio. Then, finally, something began to move. And here they are, icon of modern metal, ready once again to surprise with an ever-evolving sound, almost like a reptile facing yet another unpredictable, fascinating molt.

"Curse (of the Cloth)" bursts out of the speakers with a fast and tight riff, which immediately gives way to a Spanish-style classical guitar break that instantly perplexes the listener's mind. Waldemar Sorychta, guitarist and mastermind of the group, never ceases to amaze us. The song proceeds with a mid-tempo, which in turn is interrupted by a devastating acceleration, with Lombardo on fire, pounding his drum set as if it were a wall to break down. And the Grip Inc. break down quite a few walls.
"Enemy Mind" is one of the most experimental songs on the album: the stunning initial guitar section that reminds us of a kind of flamenco, supported by Lombardo's versatile rhythm, an almost tribal background. "Skin Trade" is perhaps the angriest track of the platter, and it certainly doesn't make us miss the legendary "Verrater" and "Foresight" (sonic shards of "Solidify"). Surely the slow rhythms are not lacking, as in "(Built To) Resist", complete with strings and keyboards, and the beautiful "The Gift".
The gold medal for originality certainly goes to the closing track "Man With No Insides": a fast start dominated by Lombardo's double bass drum immediately gives way to the chorus. Here the song becomes really curious: a whispered verse by Chambers is accompanied by the sinister backdrop of a keyboard that reminds us of B-movie horror films, complete with a hearty laugh in the background. If we then add the baritone-bass choirs accompanying the voice, the circle closes. Last but not least, an excellent performance by the vocalist Guy Chambers, who delivers always inspiring and captivating lines.

A special note of merit goes to the album's price: finding a new market entry for less than ten euros (!!!) is really rare. If it is then material of this quality, well, it almost makes you wonder if they're pulling your leg.
In short, there is everything in this "Incorporated", various influences and styles grouped (or better "incorporated"), blended and returned to the listener with a single common denominator: Metal. Thrash, Post-Thrash, Modern Metal, call it what you want, what matters is that it is what Metal should be now: far from the blind mental closure of certain compartmentalized genres, always ready to explore new shores, to contaminate and be contaminated. In a word, to progress. Comet of a sky now spent and sluggish, Grip Inc. bring a breath of fresh air to the thousand streams that remain of the scene. This breath is called "Incorporated", don't let it slip away.