ALBUM REVIEW: Cheat Death – 1000mods
Hailing from the small, Corinthian village of Chiliomodi in Eastern Greece, 1000MODS have grafted hard to earn their status as one of the premier bands in the global stoner rock scene. With consistently hard hitting albums and hundreds of riff fuelled, high octane performances around the globe – including headlining Bearstone Festival in Slunj, Croatia this year. The band have gained a reputation for their no-frills attitude and strong DIY ethics, whilst transcending genre boundaries and letting the music speak for itself. They have also become a unique voice of hope and empowerment for their fans. The Greeks return with their highly anticipated and riff filled fifth album Cheat Death, that sees them once again blur the lines of what stoner and alternative rock can be.
1000MODS have been heavily inspired by the myth of Sisyphus, as interpreted by Albert Camus, on this album. Cheat Death tackles the often weighty and existential topic of existence itself and the absurdity of life, yet despite all the supposedly inherent meaninglessness of it, you can still find a way to survive and thrive, in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. The myth of Sisyphus is consider a symbol of the human experience and life as a whole.
Sisyphus is condemned to roll a boulder up a mountain only to watch it roll back down the mountain, and he repeats this arduous and seemingly pointless task for an eternity. In Camus’s interpretation, Sisyphus is happy in his continuous struggle. As it is in the acceptance of this absurdity, he gains the understanding that life has no grand meaning, and that in itself is where true freedom lies. While it all sounds nihilistic on the surface, it is quite the opposite in practice.
1000MODS have used this story of acceptance and strife to create an uplifting album that encourages you to find meaning in the struggles of everyday life. It encapsulates the idea that while life has no clear cut answers, but in the act of pushing through the absurdity you can give yourself purpose. Each song simultaneously reflects the existential tension between the weight of existence and the resilience required to keep going. As a result, you’re cheating death in the metaphorical sense, as you don’t give into despair.
Cheat Death comes four years after the release of 1000MODS critically acclaimed album Youth of Dissent, a lot has changed in that time, yet there is a tangible growth being shown on this album. The Chiliomodi riff machine has tackled the subject matter with maturity and care. Throughout the album there are many uplifting moments and for the most part Cheat Death feels like a ray of sunshine in these dark times. With bluesy riffs and guitar solos, warm organ chords and a groove laden rhythm section, it’s an album that sits you down and says, “Take it easy, you got this”.
Opening up with the beastly, anthemic track Overthrown, Cheat Death gets off to a flying start in true 1000MODS style. Big, hooky riffs and anthemic choruses engrain themselves into your head with ease and it’s a song you do keep coming back to once the album is finished. The One Who Keeps Me Down is a high octane, grungy stoner rock anthem that will have your body moving with its infectious groove and motivational message about not giving in to yourself and to keep pushing. Götzen Hammer has a similar vibe but ups the aggression in its riffs, the rhythm section hammers away at your skull will the squealing guitar solos cut through your eardrums. It is a track with real attitude.
Astral Order brings us back to the chilled out stoner rock vibe, droning riffs support an increasingly catchy chorus melody which gives way to spaced out guitar leads. Love sees the band go semi-acoustic. The warm, woody tones of an acoustic make this song sound like a comforting hug as the band Dani G (bass and vocals) earthily sings about wanting to receive as much love as he can. Bluebird is a reflective and atmospheric interlude that provides the listener with a moment of calm. It gradually fades into the bruising and brilliantly riff-y title track Cheat Death, which sums up the album’s subject matter perfectly, with swirling guitar leads and shifting atmospheres that reflect the cyclical struggle of life. The album closes with the ten minute blues jam track/Planet Caravan-esque Grey, Green Blues. It is a euphoric and triumphant end to a high octane album and showcases the incredible musicianship and creativity that 1000MODS possess.
1000MODS have made an incredible return with Cheat Death, writing songs about themes we can all relate to but doing it with flair and passion. Encapsulating the mantra that life is tough but we’re tougher. A must listen album for fans from all walks life.
Rating: 9/10
Cheat Death is set for release on 8th November via Ouga Booga and the Mighty Oug Recordings.
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