Here is a scene that will never get out of my nostalgia driven, nu metal head: a tank running over a doll supported by the sound of one of the most epic choruses of all time – Just So You Know. It was 2001, the year where internet was still not strong, so I was spending a lot of time in record shops. American Head Charge were one of those bands that made me possessive. I was trying to keep them a secret. This is my diamond, and no one will take it out of the dark.
Somehow, my wish came true. The band never became highly popular, but they somehow managed to survive all these years. I didn’t know how, especially after the debacle with The Feeding, the album they had released in 2005. Now I know how.
Tango Umbrella is a pleasant surprise. The industrial alternative metal crew has released a very solid album. It is not moving mountains, but at least it does not try to be modern like most of the new breed, nu metal bands try to make their albums sound.
Let All The World Believe sounds expected – electronic intro followed by nu metal riff and industrial vocal a la Marilyn Manson. Next set of songs is a little bit less predictable. Drowning Under Everything is a generic riff saved by great arrangement and base that is enriched with a catchy chorus. Perfectionist sound like it features Kurt Cobain, while I Will Have My Day is reincarnation of Alice in Chains. I love Sacred, a spooky post-grunge number.
Suffer Elegantly is an absolute Static-X while Prolific Catastrophe and Down and Depraved are another proof that these guys are not afraid to jam. When the Time Is Never Right is slow, heavy, sludge ending.
From eleven songs on the album, I had the urge to mention nine. American Head Charge must have done something right. It’s a shame Tango Umbrella won’t get the attention it deserves.
