This is heavy metal that kicks you face as soon as you queue it up! Just when I thought Shotgun Messiah was going downhill after the extremely poor effort of 1992's 'I Want More', they reinvent themselves and make a killer album that leaves me begging for more. They headed back to Sweden (from LA) to record this one and as awesome as this album is, it's also bittersweet since this was last by Shotgun Messiah. At least they went out with bang! Or maybe I should say shotgun blast!

The opening track, "I'm A Gun", lets you know immediately that this band means business. This is an aggressive, bass-thumping riot that never lets up. Of course, guitar virtuoso Harry Cody makes his presence known with a rapid burst of notes during the brief solo. "Come Down" follows but the band doesn't come down. Rather they unleash another stomp-fest with an overlay of industrial sprinklings new to their style. Tim Skold's mid-toned vocals match perfectly with the song's intensity. The production qualities are excellent and really bring their concentrated style to the forefront.

The title track is an even tempo head-bouncer which displays Shotgun Messiah's new fondness for synths as even Skold's vocals are run through a filter to give the track a grainy feel. "Enemy In Me" bludgeon's you over and over with a pounding drum machine, sledge-hammering bass, and quick stop guitar riffing. "Revolution" is a plodding, quasi-industrial track that's reminiscent of Ministry's work at the same time with the over-saturated guitar distortion.

Five tracks in and Shotgun Messiah is still on the same high. The sixth track features a rhythm that closely resembles Ministry's "Just One Fix" crusher. Even "Jihad" leans towards Ministry's full-on industrial metal assault. It's easy to see where Shotgun Messiah's musical direction was going after the pop metal meandering in their previous efforts. 'Violent New Breed' is definitely not pop nor is it commercial in any aspect. Even the subject matter is heavier than anything they've done before.

It's unfortunate this record was released at the apex of the grunge movement otherwise it might have gotten more attention and Shotgun Messiah would still be around today. Their change in style signaled the end of a superb metal act. I highly recommend this CD for fans of modern heavy metal with a flair for industrial music. Even though 'Violent New Breed' was made in 1993, it could've easily come out now and you wouldn't know the difference. This is by far the best release by Shotgun Messiah and the one to own if you had to choose only one.

Track Listing:
1. I'm A Gun
2. Come Down
3. Violent New Breed
4. Enemy In Me
5. Revolution
6. Monkey Needs
7. Rain
8. Jihad
9. Side F/X
10. Sex
11. Overkill
12. I Come In Peace



Recommended: Yes