The Bottom Line
Pros
- D.D. Verni's lead vocals have an endearing quality.
- Great guitar solos from Mike Romeo of Symphony X.
- Keyboard accents add flavor, but don't overpower.
Cons
- Some tracks aren't as strong as others.
Description
- Released January 25, 2011 on eOne Music.
- Band formed by Overkill's D.D. Verni.
- The band’s fourth full-length release.
Guide Review - Bronx Casket Company - 'Antihero'
On Antihero, their first release in five years, the band continues their goth-laced heavy metal with catchy and memorable melodies. This time, Verni has taken over the lead vocal role since previous vocalist Myke Hideous left after their last release, Hellectric. Verni’s always supplied adequate background vocals in Overkill, and with his sinister snarl he’s more than up for the challenge in the lead role.
On Antihero, the band step away from the goth sound that was prevalent on their previous releases. The title track kicks things off in fine fashion. There’s a great feeling to the melody and rhythm, and the haunting intro chants add to the atmosphere. The doomy Sabbath tone of “Bonesaw” cuts through with a driving riff and keyboard accents. The fictitious story of “Sally,” about a hooker/witch woman in the Bayou who lures people into her house and collects their souls, has a seductive vibe.
On their version of Queen’s “Death On Two Legs,” the tempo is a bit faster than the original, and Verni obviously has a different vocal range than Freddie Mercury, but the band pull off all the layered harmony parts quite well. D.D.’s love for Sinatra and Sid Vicious gave him the incentive to roughen up “My Way.” It’s a fun version and I suspect it would go over well live. Some fans might scoff at having two cover songs on one album, but both are great choices.
This is Bronx Casket’s fourth record in ten years, and they keep getting better each time. D.D.’s creative nature to challenge himself and try different things are not left unjustified on Antihero. It’s a fun and memorable piece of work.
