HED p.e. - Only In Amerika :only in amerika:

Much has changed in the world of HED p.e. in 2005. After a failed attempt at commercial success with "Blackout" the band parted ways with their longtime label Jive. They also lost (and have since replaced) a number of band members whom helped to establish their sound and create some of their best work. Now back with a new album for indie label Koch, the group are quick to proclaim they no longer have to censor themselves and "Only In Amerika" is largely a direct representation of that.

It soon becomes clear by the amount of expletives and womanizing lyrical content included here that the band are now intent on Insane Clown Posse-level shock value - pushing the limits of both mindless repetition and good taste. Like a 2 Live Crew album, you're pretty much going to get a wealth of male bravado, sex and swearing and indeed that's about all there is on "Only In Amerika". Not that this is a new thing for (hed)p.e., but on their prior work it was usually spun with a clever angle and some backstory - be it government conspiracies or keeping up with the struggles of life on the road.

This time around the justifications for the bands aggressions seem to have been dumbed down to a surprisingly new low. That's not to say it's all bad - there are some rather interesting rhymes and vocal patterns, plus a few well-placed jabs at modern-day America here. There are even numerous (albeit borderline repetitive) stabs at emo and pop-punk bands as well. But that still doesn't mean there's anything all that redeeming about it. Instrumentally, the music has taken on a more lo-fi "punk rock" approach - a reflection of both their lower production budget and their increasingly aggressive attitude. Some stunningly proficient moments of technical guitar work with leads that could have been copped straight from a Steve Vai album help to accentuate this and showcase considerable talent.

Still, for the most part the material feels quite barren and rushed, lacking the grooves and catchy rhythms of days past. If anything it usually just serves as an anemic backdrop for band frontman Jahred to say fuck, shit and bitch as many times as he can in a single song. Yes there are a few standout tracks, but there are far more letdowns; plus there's just something inherently disturbing about a band with members in their 30's and 40's applauding the joys of actively seeking out "teenage pussy". At one point HED p.e. were undeniably one of the best bands to ever combine rap and punk and metal. Unfortunately "Only In Amerika" is little more than a showcase of just how far a group once at the top of their game can fall.
(2 / 5)

wookubus

http://www.theprp.com/reviews/hedpe2.shtml