Reveille

As the title of this disc suggests, Reveille belts out rap-metal/hardcore rap with a bad attitude. Lyricist/vocalist Drew Simollardes is perpetually pissed-off, cursing the world around him with spit-fire, foul mouthed diatribes that would cause Eminem to shudder. Despite the perpetual angst, which wears thin after the first few tracks, Bleed the Sky is all about loud guitars and permutations of pentatonic riffs that have kept hard rockers in ecstasy since Black Sabbath botched a few simple blues licks and changed the face of rock music. Guitarists Steve Miloszewski and Greg Sullivan steer the ship, often riffing in unison amidst layers of distortion, though the Middle Eastern themes they weave into the title track offer a much needed change of pace. "Look at Me Now" gives Carl Randolph a chance to shine above the fray with slapping bass grooves that allow for breathing room before Reveille's relentless brick Wall of Sound kicks back in. For those who seek melody, check out "Down to None," which boasts a cheerful chord progression and a funky arrangement comprised solely of flute samples and drum loops. Bleed the Sky is an album that will please genre fans without fail. [The 2002 reissue offers one extra song: "Inside Out (Can You Feel Me Now)."] ~ Tom Semioli, All Music Guide