Beyond the Darkness
The influence of horror-punk cult icons theMisfitshas stretched well beyond the band's original modest successes to win over successive generations of headbanging fans and influence numerous musicians. A prime example of that reach is this 16-track compilation by Japan's premiere quartet of skeleton-suited horror punks. Released on the Misfits own label and mentored by the masters themselves, this collection displays Balzac's rabid-speed-metal instincts and an occasionally zippy pop sense that owes at least a few bangs of the head to the manic, cartoon energy of theDickies. There are moments early on ("Wall," "The Black Light Shines in ‘99") when it sounds like the band's triple-time fury just might permanently shred vocalist Hirosuke's voicebox or flail a limb or two loose, while later tracks like "Out of the Blue II" seem more rooted in the traditional lead guitar assault of Atsushi and the gang vocals of "Tomorrow" and "Monster II." The energy of their blitz-pop is impressive, if a bit two-dimensional, but there are hints here of some real promise beyond the "1-2-3-4-GO!" mentality, too. Includes three live cuts as well as a bonus DVD containing four videos and a "making-of" short.--Jerry McCulley