CD's in Review: Ratchetjaw "Hardware"

Self-described as "Aggressive Groove Metal" Ratchetjaw come to rock. But, in this day and age, what does all that mean exactly? Yes, the music is fast and loud and you can dance to the catchy tunes. In a nutshell, though, their sound combines the best elements of classic heavy metal, hardcore punk and modern rock with vocals that are easy to listen to.

Based in Saginaw, Ratchetjaw features former and current members of Burnaround, Pulling Teeth, Harlet, OX.45 and Social Degeneration Of Poets. Their collective notable musical pasts notwithstanding, Ratchetjaw is an altogether different sound destined to be a viable musical entity in their own right.

Sporting influences running the hard rock gamut from Black Sabbath, KISS, Judas Priest and Van Halen to Exodus, Anthrax, Slayer, Metallica, Pantera and Tool, the members of Ratchetjaw have learned from their idols and intertwined the unique parts of each into one delectable mix. Taking into account the fact that a new era of metal has certainly dawned, the resulting recording is right on top of that wave.

The moment the opening line of the debut Ratchetjaw CD "Hardware" spews forth from the speakers you know they mean business as the resounding cry explodes, "The power struggle it's moving on..."

This band is here to carry on the fight and rise above the glut of seemingly similar units treading the circuit. And they possess the requisite skill to make it happen. No newcomers- the collective years of experience this foursome hold would put many of their contemporaries to shame. Ratchetjaw are seasoned veterans of the Mid-Michigan music scene and these guys know their chops. This shows as the crafted musicianship flows out of every track on "Hardware."

This project is the latest musical incarnation in the fruitful 15 year union between dynamic rhythm section partners Jon David and Steve Axestorm (recently crowned "musician deserving wider recognition" at the Review Awards). Despite capably handling guitar duties in Burnaround, the multi-talented Axestorm exhibits his dexterity by returning to the drumseat he previously occupied in Pulling Teeth and Harlet.

Axestorm proves himself worthy and is no slouch in that spot. The repetitious and infectious ratta-tat-tat drumbeat that is almost hypnotic in most songs engraves itself into your head in no time flat. Add the dazzling guitar work of Tod Walraven to the mix and a potent presence is quickly created. Vastly underrated in Pulling Teeth, Walraven flat out lets loose in screaming fashion that is hard to ignore- impressing in a different way on each and every song.

Frontman Shawn Shuart (formerly of Social Degeneration Of Poets) delivers vocals reminiscent of Pantera's Phil Anselmo, providing an important cog in the machine. His style is gruff and heavy but not to the irritating extreme- with just a bit of rap factored into his capable singing.

Almost a year in the making, "Hardware" is the fruition of many hours of painstaking labor. Precisely and expertly produced by primary songwriters David and Walraven, this proves these hard rock enthusiasts have music in their blood and are technical masters of their craft with the fine ear required to create. The resulting work is plenty heavy on the bass end - a necessity in this genre not neglected in the least bit. David's recording and mixing prowess shine through almost as much as his seasoned bass playing.

The groove element the band seeks is clearly evident in standout tracks such as "Crave It," "Try," "Left Wanting," and "Done." Each song is sure to induce body movements only seen at shows of the heavy kind. Overall, a pleasing result is created.

The infectious winner "Combustible" begins slowly with an eerie tone reminiscent of days long-gone but then quickly shifts gears to suck you in with the new age sound found throughout the album. The thumping bass propels the song while the guitar chords intermittently chime in to allow it to reach greater heights.

Sound good?

You can get your hands on some new "Hardware" through mail order at the band's informative website http://www.ratchetjaw.com or locally at The Turntable II, 2662 Bay Road, Saginaw or The Turntable, 324 S. Saginaw Road, Midland.

If you are in the mood for something heavy and oozing with undeniable talent, "Hardware" supplies a new-millennium aggressive hard thrash sound that is very impressive. The members of Ratchetjaw continue to provide fine original local talent as only they can.

The power is found here.