Chunky Metal
I think the phrase 'legendary' is often overused. Gurd are described as 'legendary' in their PR scrawl on their new album 'Bang'. I would argue Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Metallica are 'legendary,' but Gurd? They perhaps don't deserve to be in the same sentence as those aforementioned bands, but don't get me wrong, Gurd aren't a bad band, in fact 'Bang' is quite a solid effort. Any band that can keep it going for twelve years and release eight albums are due some respect and adulation. But to give them the mantle of legendary is a little over the top. Although in today's climate where bands are formed, signed, released and forgotten within twelve to eighteen months, I can perhaps understand the 'legendary' title being applied. Maybe 'renowned' or 'celebrated' would be a more apt word.
The word 'legend' maybe an inappropriate adjective to describe Gurd, but their admittance to being in the same vein as bands such as Prong or Machine Head is pretty much spot on. Sadly there is nothing on 'Bang' that equals the quality of 'Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck' or 'Davidian,' but there is a consistent amount of quality on this disc to make it appealing to fans of both the aforementioned bands. 'Break the Ban' in particular is so much like Machine Head it's criminal, but the opening harmonic riff is so damn catchy it's difficult to get annoyed. 'Seducer,' 'Spirit of Rock' and the title track are all strong numbers, perhaps not mind blowing but certainly better than eighty-five percent of the music I've heard this year.
The production utilises the bottom-end perfectly, which enhances the down-tuned grinding riffs of songs such as 'The Grand Deception.' Throw in some solos, gruff, raspy and throat tearing vocals, and you're left with some very heavy music that doesn't try to be trendy or flavour of the month because I think Gurd have been in the game too long for that. It's difficult to actually pick up on any negative points on 'Bang,' mainly because there aren't any. The only thing that lets this album down is the lack of any real standout killer tracks. This is a harsh comment because it suggests that 'Bang' isn't really very good which wouldn't be accurate at all. Think of Black Label Society as a comparison, they're a good band, with some good tunes but lack that x-factor in the song-writing department that would make them into genre leaders. The same could be said for Gurd.
To quote the opening line of the song 'Bang,' "You've got to bang your head." I can't think of many contemporary albums that make you want to do exactly that. Even sat at the PC, 'Bang' does get the old noggin moving. Lord knows what effect it would have in any rock club. I'll leave you to debate the band's 'legendary' status, I'll just say that this album rocks and an ideal stop gap until the new Machine Head album finally makes an appearance. 'Bang!' it does exactly what it says on the sleeve.