Iron Asparagus – To Whom It May Concern, Fuck You EP
Iron Asparagus – To Whom It May Concern, Fuck You EP
Self-Released
Release Date: 03/02/23
Running Time: 15:43
Review by Simon Black
8.5/10
Referring to themselves as ‘Crash Metal’, Iron Asparagus hail from French-speaking Montreal in Canada and are the most surprisingly original thing I have heard so far this year. Don’t be put off by the name, as even though it implies either some kind of light-hearted parody act or a failed aging German NWOBHM wannabe this short and to the point four track EP is sharply political, laser-focussed and absolutely not what I was expecting.
The whole piece has the same refreshing relevance that I felt the first time I heard Rage Against The Machine’s debut (although musically this is more a fusion of the anger of Thrash with a potpourri of Modern Metal sounds), but that political rage is what rides out loudest and clearest. The opening title song itself is from the perspective of the average gullible right-wing enabler realising that they’ve been utterly had that little bit too late, but as always has to externalise the blame rather than take responsibility. ‘Orbitoclast’ musically evokes bits of Metallica’s ‘One’, whilst lyrically mirroring that as well by exploring the point of view of a lobotomised patient looking out on a world they can no longer interact with. ‘Mr Molotov’ takes aim at the kind of leader who will burn down their own country to achieve their goals and closer ‘Diamonds In The Dirt’ is a supportive shoulder for anyone experiencing the negative effects of bullying. You get the drift – this is angry, relevant and the kind of stuff that doesn’t lyrically age.
With the opening bars of the title track, this incredible well-produced EP delivers some of the most kidney-rattling down-tuned riffage I have encountered in my half a century plus of ratting round this planet. …Or indeed that my poor teenage daughter has encountered, judging by the ferocity of the banging on the ceiling of her room in the vain hopes that I will turn it down a bit. Like fuck I will, although to be fair, I thought her attempts to get my attention were an out of time snare for at least four bars so distracted was I by the refreshing ferocity of this EP…
With most of the work falling on the shoulders of the aptly named frontman Captain J. Savage, this feels like the highly professionally delivered springboard for something quite special. Unexpectedly hitting the back of the net – you have been noticed.
‘Mr Molotov’ Official Audio
TRACKLISTING:
01. To Whom It May Concern… Fuck You
02. Orbitoclast
03. Mr Molotov
04. Diamond In The Dirt
LINE-UP:
Captain J. Savage – Vocals, Rhythm Guitars, Baritone, Bass Guitars
Julien Blais – Drums
Mikey Heppner & Joe Maheux – Lead Guitar
LINKS:
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