“Burn It Black”
The Island Def Jam Music Group
Blazing out of the hot Southeastern United States music scene, Injected is a group of grade school friends who have serendipitously found themselves together again. After playing in different bands for a few years, they got together in 1998. Touring their home area for the last couple years, the band’s strong core of power metal mixed with alternative rock melodies apparently resounded. One of the most well known record labels out there, Island Records, signed them in late 2000. “Burn It Black” is the debut release for this four man group comprised of Dan Grady (guitar/vocals), Chris Wojtal (drums) Steve Slovisky (bass), and Jade Lemons (guitars).
Scheduled for release on February 26, for a debut album, this is a highly polished and rich set of music. With the top notch history of New York’s Bearsville Studio to support the recording, and a well-seasoned production crew, the band shows its studio maturity quickly. Tapping the energy of their extensive road experience over the last couple years, they’ve put together a set that makes you want to jump out of your chair. With the raw energy of early Zeppelin, the CD opener, “When She Comes,” is a driving anthem. Heavy spirited orchestration with screaming, yet controlled vocals are the background for this CD. The title track, “Burn It Black,” is an appropriately dark and questioning tune, but still packed with the forceful vocals and instrumentals. Straying a bit from the metal squeal, the next two tracks “Bullet” and “Faithless” are melodious tunes with a smooth sound and more controlled and directed sound. Definitely tailored for new rock radio.
Binding all the tunes on this CD is a full and complex texture. The band’s sound is a dichotomy. The somewhat chaotic sense of urgency is offset by a tight and well-directed instrumental energy. This should do them well for broadening and diversifying their audience. Though a self-described “well-adjusted” guy, the CDs prime lyricist, Dan Grady, covers the troubles of our time – e.g. alcoholism, school shootings, and depression – with compassion. That’s what this album is about. A deep passion and compassion. A passion for the music and compassion for the human condition.
- Dave Geller
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