CD review in Transcending The Mundane

Hostile Groove began their career in the late nineties in Massachusetts. Frontman Shawn McPherson and drummer Dan Welby moved out to California to go to school and packed their instruments with them. They discovered Texas native Aric Wright and started anew on the West Coast. Unleash the Massattack represents their debut full length and is being released on their own label. Judging from the talent of this band and their contemporary sound, it shouldn't be long before majors start knocking.

Shawn's vocal style is familiar, similar to Pantera's Phil Anselmo, Shawn rages and growls over top of aggressive modern metal. A more raw, straight metal sounding Shadows Fall may also be a relevant comparison. "On a Mission" has some roots in thrash. "Ahh Shit" sounds like an immediate radio hit. "The Ladder" is crisp and also sounds like it would be comfortable on the same metal radio stations which play Mudvayne, Korn, and Pantera. "The Other Half" is a good example of Shawn using his range a little with more clear vocals that border on rap. It's not uncommon for bassist Arik to make his presence known, especially on songs like "Pride" and "The Ladder". Everything about Hostile Groove sounds familiar. It's all been done before, but they play with conviction and have a sincerity that bleeds through and makes you want to root for them.
-Brett VanPut