Diatribe
Diatribe

July 2004
Released: 2003, Independent
Rating: 3.8/5
Reviewer: Lord of the Wasteland

Australian up-and-comers, Diatribe, take parts of many different forms of metal and roll them into one tight package. At times, there are hints of Pantera, Slipknot, Mudvayne and Sepultura, with big riffs, lots of groove and angry aggressive vocals. Some may write this off as “nu-metal”—and there are definitely elements of that—but this is also heavy enough to appeal to the “true” metal crowd, as well. This is the band’s debut recording and was recorded in their homeland by Adam Radloff, who, considering this is his first-ever production credit, has done a fine job with limited budget. If the punishing vocals of Josh Smith aren’t enough, the bass of Chris Benyk is massive on these songs and literally rattles through your whole body.



Aggressive vocals hit you right away on “Big Deal” with its call/answer chorus and pained delivery by Josh Smith. “Morebajana” (whatever that is) features a killer bass line and some impressive double bass drumming from Aaron Smith. Speaking of killer bass, the opening of “Life in Life” is jaw-dropping. One thing I’ve always enjoyed about Mudvayne’s music is the heavy bass mix and Diatribe extols that element here. The vocals of “Outside My Inside” and “Enomic” are heavily influenced by Slipknot, with their speedy verse delivery followed by roaring choruses. “The Shit I See” features some amazing tribal drumming and seriously pissed-off lyrics. The moshpits would go crazy over this one!



Having reviewed an independent CD from another Australian band, Skintilla, a few months ago, Diatribe has helped pique my interest in the metal scene that exists down under. This is heavy stuff with hate-filled lyrics, loads of riffs and the bass...oh, the bass!!