Release Date: August 13, 2002
Reviewed by Vin Cherubino
If there ever was a time to put Canada on the music map, that time is now. With the recent musical explosion of rock bands that are Canadian such as Nickelback, Default, Theory of a Deadman, and now Noise Therapy, rock fans have a chance to rejoice in their music once again.
Noise Therapy was hand picked by Motley Crue to open for their reunion tour, a big accomplishment on its own. Guitarist Kai even toured with Methods of Mayhem in 2000. After regrouping and adding some newfound ideas to their music, NT was signed to newcomer Redline Records. This partnership between a label shared by Prince and Pete Townshend could provide more of a market share by drawing in the younger, more aggressive market for Redline. Redline needs to attain as many break out bands as it can, and Noise Therapy could be one of those success stories you will eventually hear about in the near future.
Tension is heavy, adrenaline inducing, seamless hard rock that isn’t too overpowering, yet strong enough to fuel any pit. Chugging guitars with plenty of distortion drive songs like “Get Up, “Far Away”, and “Star69” through the listener pounding some memorable riffs and choruses into their head. “Far Away” is by far the best song all around on the album. It’s very similar to Dry Cell musically, and brings out intense emotion through a head banging riff line. The intensity is clearly identifiable, which has led to the band’s performances within the extreme sports community, including a spring 2002 performance with skateboarding legend Tony Hawk’s Birdhouse production. Electronic elements are even added into the mix, and since they are being provided by Rhys Fuller (Fear Factory, Frontline Assembly); you can understand why they fit so well into the music.
Some songs on the album, such as “Yesterday” provide some acoustical experiences that build up and change into heavier music like the rest of the album. These build ups provide some stylish adversity, keeping the listener on his/her toes and not becoming boring through similar melodies. Little things like this usually give bands character, which Noise Therapy has plenty of.
Is the hard rock genre crowded with crap? Yes. Does Noise Therapy go beyond this and enhance a genre that sorely needs attention? Yes. Although this release did sneak up and seem to come from nowhere, it deserves some attention. If you liked Default but were looking for something heavier, this CD is just the right thing for you.
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