Mammal - The Aural Underground: Volume One (Album)

One of the many problems with underground metal/heavy rock is that it often comes off sounding derivative of the more respected/prominent bands at the time. Mammal can claim to avoid this but only barely. At moments they verge on falling into the cold depths of being Tool imitators, but avoid it by sticking to their guns and rocking out harder than Tool ever could. Where other bands are thinking about how still they can stand while playing.

Visceral. Possibly the only way to describe Mammal's live performance. A triumph of progressive metal, The Aural Underground: Volume 1 bursts forth from your speakers like some bizarre mix of Tool esque melody merged with the brutal dynamics and ideology of System of a Down. This album is what every live concert should be, fiercely loud, dangerously energetic and unbelievably tight.

The album opens with 'New Breed Judas', the only song that the album could have opened with, anything else would have seemed a little empty in comparison, Ezekiel Ox's vocals tearing through the mix like a narrator of your conscience. For fan's of Mammal this will be a heaven sent recording.

The set list is, both for an introduction to Mammal and long time fans, almost impeccable. However the inclusion of some of the weaker songs, such as 'Groove Junkie', may cause a slight twitch in a recently lowered eyebrow.

For those that enjoy a good Mammal track, then this is the live album for you, full of rockin tunes and philosophical lyrics. However if you like your innovation to the point of insanity then you should probably avoid it. While indeed a brutal live performance, those who don't actually enjoy Mammal will find nothing enticing here.

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