Maximum Metal Rating Legend
5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style. Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

Demos and independent releases get some slack since the bands are often spent broke supporting themselves and trying to improve. Major releases usually have big financial backing, so they may be judged by a heavier hand. All scores can be eventually adjusted up or down by comparison of subsequent releases by the same band. We attempt to keep biases out of reviews and be advocates of the consumer without the undo influence of any band, label, management, promoter, etc.

The best way to determine how much you may like certain music is to listen to it yourself.
Band
Against The Grain
Title
Roadwarriors
Type
LP/EP
Company
Self Destructo
YOR
2015
Style
Hard Rock
1/14/2016 - Review by: Vinaya Saksena
Against The Grain
Roadwarriors




Company: Self Destructo
Release: 2015
Genre: Hard Rock
Reviewer: Vinaya

  • Lots you can groove to



  • Saw these high-octane Detroit rockers opening for The Atomic Bitchwax this year, and it proved a highly (!) appropriate pairing, given the somewhat stoner-friendly but sometimes punky riff rock they peddle. If anything, Against The Grain's performance was a bit frantic and lacking in dynamics, reminding me of bands like Rhode Island rockers She Rides, who could be insanely energetic but lacked the songs to make an impression beyond the barroom. But this album was a pleasant surprise, boasting a strength of both riff writing and musicianship that many bands of this type seem to lack. As a result, this may be a rare example of a super-energetic rock band actually sounding a bit better on record (or mp3, as the case may be) than they do live. In particular, sprinklings of Thin Lizzy-influenced harmony guitar work help them rise above the pack, as does the occasional (slightly) tricky arrangement, like in "Pendulum." But if you just want it loud and fast, check out "Til We Die," "Afraid of Nothing" and "Run For Your Life." Gotta love the slamming, blues-influenced uptempo groove of "Nighttime," which is further enhanced by harmonica, no less. In any case, nothing life-altering here, but lots you can groove to, and for more than just an inebriated night out at your local watering hole. And again, that's more than you can say for many bands attempting this type of sound.



    • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
      3.5 :AVE RATING

    ALL REVIEWS FOR: AGAINST THE GRAIN
    TITLE
    DOR
    COMPANY
    REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
    Roadwarriors
    2015
    Self Destructo
    Vinaya Saksena1/14/2016
    3.5

    ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: AGAINST THE GRAIN
    INTERVIEW INTERVIEWER DATE TAGLINE


    << back >>