Uncivilization
Uncivilizationproves that rap-metal can still be ugly, uncompromising, intelligent, and proud. WithPapa Roach,Limp Bizkit, andLinkin Parkscaling the charts, it's worth remembering that the rock-rap crossover didn't start as an MTV-friendly operation, but as a bruising, violent, exciting collision between the worlds of hardcore and hip-hop. And at the forefront of the first wave were New York hard nuts Biohazard, a four-piece ensemble with a taut, tattooed, razor-sharp perspective, and pummeling, guitar-heavy riffs. They're still preaching their gospel of urban decay, social disintegration, and musical revolution on their fifth album. And, incredibly, Biohazard sound more vital than ever. From the opening, distorted crunch and pound of "Sellout" through the chilling, super-heavy "Population Control" to the unsettling revenge anthem "Cross the Line," Biohazard have moved away from shiny production values to an appealingly rough and raw sound. There are innovations here, however, such as the piano and strings of "Letter Go" and theCypress Hill-style eeriness of "Wide Awake." Featuring guest appearances from members ofPantera,Slipknot,Sepultura, andAgnostic Front, this album is uncivilized indeed.--William Luff