HeadWrench is a five-piece metal band from Connecticut with a name that gives your spellcheck fits. They have been a band since 2002 and consist of Scott Wilson (vocals), Steve Rose (lead guitar), Brian Root (rhythm guitar), PJ Cosmo (bass guitar), and Will Fitzgerald (drums). Die Another Day appears to be their first album.
According to HeadWrench’s bio their “riffs and lyrics cater to those who can relate with having a bad day at work or just frustrated with anything, we understand.” Having just had one of those days at work, really a bad week even, this seemed right up my alley. Now havening listened to it, I have to admit, it certainly helped some, and I thank them for understanding.
Over 47 minutes, HeadWrench comes off as a metal band that wears their influences on their sleeves. They list their influences as Black Label Society, Pantera, and Disturbed. I was also reminded of earlier White Zombie, Korn, and Alice In Chains. Still the style and lyrics certainly lean towards that Pantera comparison most; think Vulgar Display of Power.
While HeadWrench is similar to some of these bands, they’re certainly not as good as any of them. More often than not they seem to replicate their influences rather than learn from them. Given the abilities of these acts, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing since each of them had a lot of skills, but Die Another Day didn’t really seem to bring anything new to the table. Instrumentally they rock pretty hard, and when it’s time to solo, they shred quite well. Vocally Wilson has his strengths and his weakness. He seems to have sung along to plenty of Anselmo, Halford, and Hetfield songs over the years. Avoiding his weaknesses would go a long way. Lyrically they are okay. They’re certainly plenty angry and their choice of words certainly doesn’t hide it. So if you’re into similar types of metal bands, I think you’ll know what you’re getting with HeadWrench, and if they play more to their strengths, maybe you will get something else in the future.
Key Tracks: The Enemy, Die Another Day, Tyrant
Kevin Kozel - Sr. MuzikReviews.com Staff
July 15, 2011
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