EP REVIEW: 4 Good Reasons 2 Punch U In The Face – Hee Hee Shamone
It has to be said that Dutch groove metallers HEE HEE SHAMONE are definitely keen to make a mark in the industry. Even though they are undoubtedly quirky and have a whole lot of comedic value, this unique trio of musicians are also very experienced and talented, formerly working on projects such as SHINIGAMI, SILICON HEAD and DOGHOUSE GALLOWS, to name just a few. Managing to combine groove metal with an unforgettable progressive rock sound, it is evidently clear that HEE HEE SHAMONE have already come a long way in the couple of years since their formation.
Their debut EP 4 Good Reasons 2 Punch U In The Face follows on from the reveal of the first two promotional tracks March Of The Living Dead and Would U Care 2 Dance last November and December respectively. However, this brand new body of work is definitely an indication that this group are much more than just a MICHAEL JACKSON inspired comedy band. This EP manages to convey the group’s relevant vision inspired by “current frustrations about life, the universe and annoying people in general” with infectious melodies and riffs leading the way.
The initial track If U Think I Care What U Think, Think Again starts off on an energetic note with a heavy, almost hardcore riff at the helm. Luciano Sirigu‘s vocals are incredibly powerful and effective – the perfect accompaniment to the fast-paced, brutal guitar melody which shows off guitarist Axel Becker‘s true talent from the offset. March Of The Living Dead is up next, which continues on in the way you would expect. Kicking things off with a riff not too dissimilar to BURY TOMORROW, Sirigu‘s vocal style here reminds us a lot of Ozzy Osbourne. Even though this song isn’t as memorable as the first, it has the same grit and angst as previous songs from IRON MAIDEN and BLACK SABBATH to keep you intrigued.
The Joker almost has an indie rock feel at the start, which is definitely a style we weren’t expecting to hear. The song progresses quickly into a sound we were more than ready for, providing us with a combination of unlikely genres that work incredibly well together. The closing song Would U Care To Dance gives us some much needed optimism, finishing the record off in the best way possible. The opening riffs are spine-tinglingly delicious, keeping the listener entertained from the first chord. This is definitely the strongest track on the EP as a whole, with the progressive melodies managing to keep us satisfied right the way until the very end.
It is honestly hard to believe that this is HEE HEE SHAMONE‘s first ever body of work. All four of the tracks featured in the compilation have as much lasting power and memorability as some of the iconic, more established greats. This band are definitely on the route to bigger and better things in the near future, most certainly paving their own unique way to success. We can’t wait to hear what HEE HEE SHAMONE have up their musical sleeves next.
Rating: 8/10
4 Good Reasons 2 Punch U In The Face is out now via self-release.
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