Chokeslam

Chokeslam Hillbilly (Rox Hard Records) Rating: 3.5 out of 5 For the most part, Chokeslam is a pretty definitive band name. If you have to label them, call them modern heavy metal...without the “radio” sound. On Hillbilly, their sophomore album, the band has evolved—both lyrically and musically—since their 2001 self-titled debut. Like the seasoned vets they are, they just keep getting better and rocking harder. This bone-jarring record begins with the hard-hitting title track—a blunt and to-the-point metal song about being a country boy. “Roll On You (Brainscar)” uses more than a few riffs to thump your eardrums. Hillbilly also features a cover of Charlie Daniels’ “The Legend of Wooley Swamp” on steroids. Rounding out the album is “Cigarette Pack,” a deliciously heavy song that I grew to like at Chokeslam shows before this disc was released, and loved even more after hearing it recorded. CD Review by Eric Turner- Pulse magazine
- Eric Turner

The music world has been needing this for awhile. Chokeslam brings forth some great groove, thrash-style metal on this release. Not a generic offspring like so many others but a fresh batch of metal. An excellent live band with scream-style and growling vocals. Voted Best Heavy Metal Act at the 2003 CIA Music Awards, Chokeslam also performed at Milwaukee Metalfest XVI. The disc has all you need to rock out - heavy guitars, powerful drums and best at full volume.I have no favorites because all the songs are so damn good. I will say that the first track, The Reaper Man, has a great slow groove intro that sets the mood for the up tempo smack-in-the-face you get about one minute into the song. And Moten Gator, along with the last track, CS420, are quite infectious. This is a must-own for metal fans. Chug beer and display the sign proudly. Bobby - Boggob magazine
- Bobby

These guys land on the hard side of the nu metal scene. As they state in their press materials, they have been compared to the likes of Mudvayne and Slipknot and I think there's a reason for that. Infecting grooves, growling vocals, enough forward drive to overdose a mosh pit and you are chokeslammed. Chokeslam could so easily be the opening act for Mudvayne and the like. They would fit right in. They've got the talent, the love for the music, the ability to crank out crunchy grooves and catchy percussion. The vocalist will lead you into his rage and surprise you with some versatility. In at least one spot he adds, dare I say it, almost a slightest little tad of musicalness to his cough drop vocals. At any rate, this metal act reaches out to the aggressor while maintaining accessibility. Good job. CD Review by Upchuck Undergrind- Fishcomcollective.net
- Upchuck Undergrind- Fishcomcollective.net

I have to tell you. I got my money's worth on this one. These guys have the raw energy that makes a great band and the technical skills to back it up. Props to the boys on a great effort. 5 f'ing stars to ya! -Customer review from Amazon.com- Lucky 13.

- Amazon.com

Chokeslam – The name says it all. They’re about as heavy as it gets! (This is not your Daddy’s rock ‘n’ roll). Riverbend Festival-2004 - Riverbend Festival-2004

Playing what they call "rebel metal," the band puts on a full furious assault on their audience, taking no prisoners. -Dave Weinthal from Enigma magazine - Dave Weinthal from Enigma magazine

Chokeslam tend to strike quick. Generally, a short intro will lead into Gray's intense screaming. The first few tracks ("The Reaper Man", "Bluh", and "FRVP") are the best. -Brett VanPut from Transcending the Mundane

- Brett VanPut from Transcending the Mundane