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SHOTGUN RODEO
Guilty As Charged EP

Self-released (2013)
Rating: 6/10

I’m not going to lie, but when I first heard the band name I was expecting some type of revival sleaze / hair metal band, but was certainly confused by the amateurish cover artwork which reminded me of some obscure, low-budget 80s thrash act.

Norway’s Shotgun Rodeo is a relatively new band and this six-track opus comes hot on the heels of 2012’s Dead End Massacre EP. And after a few spins I’m hearing a strong influence of classic thrash mixed with the muscular strains of Pantera, particularly in the angst-ridden vocals of Espen Bjøru who, as far as I’m aware, hasn’t been in the band for very long.

The sound Shotgun Rodeo creates is not woundingly heavy but it still packs a punch as it seems to boast a punky attitude and takes me back to the halcyon days of metal and when I first heard the 1990 debut self-titled opus of Kentucky combo Kinghorse. The drums of Vegzilla (aka Vic Evil) are always raging and bone-shuddering, and those beefy guitars of Don Shrediablo have a flexibility to enable the band to ease into varying gears which at once combine groove-based metal with a more old school feel of rage.

EP opener ‘Sweet Poison’ features tight musicianship that comes in the form of a thrashy opening riff and hurtful drum before it shifts into a jarring melody before Espen Bjøru’s clear, bruising vocal rants enter the arena. ‘Chaos Effect’ is equally volatile, offering a charging drum and a no frills riff amidst the darkly-tinged vocal barks. The song also offers a welcome dose of melody, particularly on the chorus.

Shotgun Rodeo could be charged with one minor crime – a lack of variety; because the likes of ‘Riding The Bullet’ and ‘Darkest Domain’ – for all their bruising quality – are merely straightforward rockers that feature rather dull lyrics and formulaic structures. Overall, this opus seems to lack the cutting edge of, say, ‘Warborn’ which featured on the previous platter, and I’m not overly convinced that Espen Bjøru’s vocals are better than those chesty rasps of previous growler T. Mikalsen. But hey, Guilty As Charged is still a rewarding encounter even if it fails to deliver in certain departments

Guilty As Charged no doubts marks a transitional period for the band – an outfit who have yet to find their true identity. Shotgun Rodeo are certainly a band to keep an eye on, but don’t expect to be blown away.

Neil Arnold

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