It is only some days ago when I first heard the name of this band, and I was sure it was not going to be a melodic female fronted Metal one! And information I managed to find confirmed my thoughts since an ex singer of the band (Mike Hrubovcak) is the singer of MONSTROSITY and such musicians usually don't end up playing gay music, except for VADER's Mauser who kind of disappointed his fans.

The US metallers have been around since 2002, but surprisingly this is the first time I learn about them. Why didn't I know a band that featured MONSTROSITY's singer and has been a part of Relapse Records for a few years now? Judging by the music contained in the band's sophomore full-length effort it must be because they are good, but not good enough to compete other Thrash Metal bands out there.

Yeah, you heard me, this is a Thrash Metal band, but one of those that Relapse has started signing. There is no rotten sound with 80's only sound here. RUMPELSTILTSKIN GRINDER have mixed their old school Thrash/Hardcore/Punk sound with some modern Thrashcore elements that make the whole thing a bit more interesting than a classic mediocre 80's Thrash sound. Some times they are loyal to the Bay Area Thrash scene, offering catchy riffing with relentless drumming, while others they remind me of AGNOSTIC FRONT in their latest releases. So why aren't they good enough to compete other bands?

First of all, I have been bored of listening to singers that don't have an original Thrash Metal throat. No more brutal or harsh vocals in this scene please. Secondly, their music may be nice, but they could use a little more imagination in their compositions. BONDED BY BLOOD for example is nothing more than a classic Thrash Metal band but they have a really charismatic singer, incredible passion and killer riffing. I guess RUMPELSTILTSKIN GRINDER need some slight improvement to rise above mediocrity and become a strong competitor.