Riddle of Steel

Chances are you've never heard of this would-be Kansas City trio**, but you sure as shit should have. Apparently, they're often mentioned in the same breath as acts like Shiner, Cave-In, and Houston. Those weren't the first bands I thought of when I heard Riddle of Steel, but I suppose I can see the similarities. Their music is every bit as complex, melodic, and catchy as anything those bands have released. But if you're thinking Riddle of Steel is just another group of brooding kids aping Allen Epley's sound, then you my friend are a fool. A damn fool.

For starters, there's singer/guitarist Andrew Elstner's voice. You'd be forgiven for thinking he sounds like a slightly less nerdy version of that dude from 12 Rods. Then again, you'd also be forgiven for not knowing who the hell 12 Rods is. Point is, Elstner is a true original in the vocal department and lends the band a quirky edge that's just right for their brand of brainy muscle rock.

Speaking of brainy rock, I'll eat my shoes if at least one of these guys isn't a Voivod fan. Just listen to the first 30 seconds of 'Fire Is a Special Occasion' and tell me there's not a copy of Nothingface between the three of them. Which isn't to say Riddle of Steel is derivative at all. To the contrary, the band so expertly blends such a diverse range of influences that it's tough to make any direct comparisons without feeling it's a stretch.

It doesn't hurt that the songwriting is so thoroughly impressive throughout. These aren't the kind of songs that necessarily hit you the first time through. But multiple listens prove Python to be a supremely focused, intelligent, and deep album with nary a bit filler. I'd be hard-pressed to pick a favorite track off of the album, because they're all so damn good. I can say that the last minute or two of 'The Gaping Jaw' makes me want to jump up and down on the old Sealy Posturepedic.

And sweet baby Jesus, don't even get me started on the drumming. Fucking amazing.
9.7

-Eric

Note: **Riddle of Steel are actually from St. Louis, but who am I to buck a good trend?
- www.firesideometer.com

Chances are you've never heard of this would-be Kansas City trio**, but you sure as shit should have. Apparently, they're often mentioned in the same breath as acts like Shiner, Cave-In, and Houston. Those weren't the first bands I thought of when I heard Riddle of Steel, but I suppose I can see the similarities. Their music is every bit as complex, melodic, and catchy as anything those bands have released. But if you're thinking Riddle of Steel is just another group of brooding kids aping Allen Epley's sound, then you my friend are a fool. A damn fool.

For starters, there's singer/guitarist Andrew Elstner's voice. You'd be forgiven for thinking he sounds like a slightly less nerdy version of that dude from 12 Rods. Then again, you'd also be forgiven for not knowing who the hell 12 Rods is. Point is, Elstner is a true original in the vocal department and lends the band a quirky edge that's just right for their brand of brainy muscle rock.

Speaking of brainy rock, I'll eat my shoes if at least one of these guys isn't a Voivod fan. Just listen to the first 30 seconds of 'Fire Is a Special Occasion' and tell me there's not a copy of Nothingface between the three of them. Which isn't to say Riddle of Steel is derivative at all. To the contrary, the band so expertly blends such a diverse range of influences that it's tough to make any direct comparisons without feeling it's a stretch.

It doesn't hurt that the songwriting is so thoroughly impressive throughout. These aren't the kind of songs that necessarily hit you the first time through. But multiple listens prove Python to be a supremely focused, intelligent, and deep album with nary a bit filler. I'd be hard-pressed to pick a favorite track off of the album, because they're all so damn good. I can say that the last minute or two of 'The Gaping Jaw' makes me want to jump up and down on the old Sealy Posturepedic.

And sweet baby Jesus, don't even get me started on the drumming. Fucking amazing.
9.7

-Eric

Note: **Riddle of Steel are actually from St. Louis, but who am I to buck a good trend?
- www.firesideometer.com

So, I seem to keep reviewing the albums that defy definition. Am I a glutton for punishment? Do I just keep some of the best music sent to the workshop for myself?

It’s the second one.

Riddle of Steel (ROS) is a blend of… well, everything I love about music. They bring power, technical musicianship and emotive melodies to the table. But, while that formula might bring one of a hundred different bands to mind, ROS, honestly, has no musical peers. The music honestly defies classification, but not because of lack of direction on the bands part. They know what they want from each song, whether it is driving power, mathy rhythms, or a nice melody line… ROS puts it to use like no one else you’ve heard.

It’s weird, when I try and come up with words to paint a picture for what, you the reader, should expect, when you hear ROS, I find myself searching for the right way to put it. It’s not post-hardcore, but it is. It’s not prog rock, but it is. It’s tremendously catchy, but it’s not “pop” in the true sense of the word. It is rock and roll, but not “hey, have you heard AC/DC? I want to be like them”. I could go on and on comparing them to the things they are and the things they are not.

But, while I can’t pin down, at least in words, what ROS sound like, this should speak volumes to their creativity and original sound. Do you like any of those genres that I mentioned? Chances are you’ll really find something you like on Python.

They list bands like Quicksand, Sonic Youth, and King Crimson as influences. Come on, you want me to classify the output of a band like that? I know, this review does nothing to clear up any of the “Jake is the most confused writer” rumors that have been floating around the Workshop, but that doesn’t bother me. I’m secure enough in my music taste/knowledge to be confident that you’ll understand what I’m trying to convey in my mumbled words.

Here, I’ll spell it out simply-- This album is really, really good. You should check it out.
-jake - www.indieworkshop.com

So, I seem to keep reviewing the albums that defy definition. Am I a glutton for punishment? Do I just keep some of the best music sent to the workshop for myself?

It’s the second one.

Riddle of Steel (ROS) is a blend of… well, everything I love about music. They bring power, technical musicianship and emotive melodies to the table. But, while that formula might bring one of a hundred different bands to mind, ROS, honestly, has no musical peers. The music honestly defies classification, but not because of lack of direction on the bands part. They know what they want from each song, whether it is driving power, mathy rhythms, or a nice melody line… ROS puts it to use like no one else you’ve heard.

It’s weird, when I try and come up with words to paint a picture for what, you the reader, should expect, when you hear ROS, I find myself searching for the right way to put it. It’s not post-hardcore, but it is. It’s not prog rock, but it is. It’s tremendously catchy, but it’s not “pop” in the true sense of the word. It is rock and roll, but not “hey, have you heard AC/DC? I want to be like them”. I could go on and on comparing them to the things they are and the things they are not.

But, while I can’t pin down, at least in words, what ROS sound like, this should speak volumes to their creativity and original sound. Do you like any of those genres that I mentioned? Chances are you’ll really find something you like on Python.

They list bands like Quicksand, Sonic Youth, and King Crimson as influences. Come on, you want me to classify the output of a band like that? I know, this review does nothing to clear up any of the “Jake is the most confused writer” rumors that have been floating around the Workshop, but that doesn’t bother me. I’m secure enough in my music taste/knowledge to be confident that you’ll understand what I’m trying to convey in my mumbled words.

Here, I’ll spell it out simply-- This album is really, really good. You should check it out.
-jake - www.indieworkshop.com

Overall, this album is a vast composition of talent, diversity, and harmony. The vocals featured on Python are quite remarkable. As most music critics will tell you, vocals are the stereotypical downfall of the indie / low budget record. This is far from the case here. Riddle Of Steel have managed to bring the vocal levels and quality to a point beyond that of most independent albums. ROS also deserve kudos on a very dynamic and somewhat original lead guitar track that will surprise the listener and maintain aural attention throughout the listening length of Python.

While listening to this album, there was never a moment when it was necessary to check the track listing for fear that the disc was repeating a single song - that is, each track has a distinct flavor of its own. Keeping each of the tracks on an album diverse, yet uniform in nature throughout seems to be an age-old struggle for bands. Riddle of Steel is excellent at keeping their songs precise and unique, but the band also shows a mature restraint on Python, and manage to keep a good progression from track to track. This is an impressive feat, and allows even the most casual listener a chance to become interested in what the band has to say.

One notable downfall of this album is nothing more than a simple issue of pace. After repeated listens to this disc, something feels a little off. It is good, but a tiny bit off. In paying closer attention to the different components of this album, the drums seem to be the Achilles heel of the album. Perhaps not directly caused by the drummer, it seems the group's interaction with the drummer may be a tiny bit off kilter. The tracks themselves are great, and the drummer certainly doesn't lack anything in talent or skillÉit seems to be more a lack of reservation. The remaining members of the band seem to be at a dead run at many points during the album trying to keep up with the drummer. Riddle Of Steel could become a tighter musical unit if the drummer would show a small amount of reservation for his fellow band members. Once the correlation between drummer and band is worked out, there will be no stopping Riddle Of Steel.

Python is a great composition, something that is definitely worth checking out - as well as a strong foundation to continue building upon. If Riddle Of Steel remains on course and tightens up a bit, their destination will no doubt be a breaking-point album with their next release. Keep your eyes open because these guys aren't done yet, it is very obvious.

- jackson - www.nowontour.com

Overall, this album is a vast composition of talent, diversity, and harmony. The vocals featured on Python are quite remarkable. As most music critics will tell you, vocals are the stereotypical downfall of the indie / low budget record. This is far from the case here. Riddle Of Steel have managed to bring the vocal levels and quality to a point beyond that of most independent albums. ROS also deserve kudos on a very dynamic and somewhat original lead guitar track that will surprise the listener and maintain aural attention throughout the listening length of Python.

While listening to this album, there was never a moment when it was necessary to check the track listing for fear that the disc was repeating a single song - that is, each track has a distinct flavor of its own. Keeping each of the tracks on an album diverse, yet uniform in nature throughout seems to be an age-old struggle for bands. Riddle of Steel is excellent at keeping their songs precise and unique, but the band also shows a mature restraint on Python, and manage to keep a good progression from track to track. This is an impressive feat, and allows even the most casual listener a chance to become interested in what the band has to say.

One notable downfall of this album is nothing more than a simple issue of pace. After repeated listens to this disc, something feels a little off. It is good, but a tiny bit off. In paying closer attention to the different components of this album, the drums seem to be the Achilles heel of the album. Perhaps not directly caused by the drummer, it seems the group's interaction with the drummer may be a tiny bit off kilter. The tracks themselves are great, and the drummer certainly doesn't lack anything in talent or skillÉit seems to be more a lack of reservation. The remaining members of the band seem to be at a dead run at many points during the album trying to keep up with the drummer. Riddle Of Steel could become a tighter musical unit if the drummer would show a small amount of reservation for his fellow band members. Once the correlation between drummer and band is worked out, there will be no stopping Riddle Of Steel.

Python is a great composition, something that is definitely worth checking out - as well as a strong foundation to continue building upon. If Riddle Of Steel remains on course and tightens up a bit, their destination will no doubt be a breaking-point album with their next release. Keep your eyes open because these guys aren't done yet, it is very obvious.

- jackson - www.nowontour.com

Ese diseño... claro, claro, Jason Farrell, no podía ser otro. Miramos dentro y agradecimientos a Haymarket Riot, Retisonic, Shiner, hey Mercedes, Rye Coalition,... uno no puede esperar para meter el cd en la bandeja del reproductor.
Y con razón, porque estamos ante una de las mejores nuevas bandas llegadas del otro lado del Atlántico en el último año para un servidor. El único disgusto que me ha dado el disco es que se me perdió durante un mes, lo cual ha hecho que lo cogiese con más ganas cuando por fín apareció. Python se abre con la trepidante One Inch Deep, que es una muestra de lo que nos vamos a encontrar de aquí en adelante: una música técnica pero sin perder una pizca de intensidad y emoción, sustentada en una base rítmica demoledora (vaya batería!) y una guitarra que no se cansa de adornar con arpegios todas las piezas.
Quizá la comparación más evidente sea Bluetip, pero se dejan entrever otras de bandas más arty e incluso progresivas. La diferencia más grande con Bluetip igual es la guitarra, la de Andrew Elstner tiene más profundidad conseguida con delay y echo.
Lo que más llama la atención es el cuidado en la estructura de las canciones, tenemos unas tan trepidantes como One Inch Deep: Fire Is A Special Occasion. Hay momentos especiales como Kissing Is A Secret, A Dime For The Curse Jar y Time For The Truth en los que demuestran dominar tempos más relajados. Ass Kicker #1 les muestra más punk. Double-Fister es una bofetada en la cara con ese riff y ese ritmo loco.
En fin, sin desperdicio, un discazo que tiene que estar en tu discoteca ya.

Julián Iturri
- www.ironskies.com

Ese diseño... claro, claro, Jason Farrell, no podía ser otro. Miramos dentro y agradecimientos a Haymarket Riot, Retisonic, Shiner, hey Mercedes, Rye Coalition,... uno no puede esperar para meter el cd en la bandeja del reproductor.
Y con razón, porque estamos ante una de las mejores nuevas bandas llegadas del otro lado del Atlántico en el último año para un servidor. El único disgusto que me ha dado el disco es que se me perdió durante un mes, lo cual ha hecho que lo cogiese con más ganas cuando por fín apareció. Python se abre con la trepidante One Inch Deep, que es una muestra de lo que nos vamos a encontrar de aquí en adelante: una música técnica pero sin perder una pizca de intensidad y emoción, sustentada en una base rítmica demoledora (vaya batería!) y una guitarra que no se cansa de adornar con arpegios todas las piezas.
Quizá la comparación más evidente sea Bluetip, pero se dejan entrever otras de bandas más arty e incluso progresivas. La diferencia más grande con Bluetip igual es la guitarra, la de Andrew Elstner tiene más profundidad conseguida con delay y echo.
Lo que más llama la atención es el cuidado en la estructura de las canciones, tenemos unas tan trepidantes como One Inch Deep: Fire Is A Special Occasion. Hay momentos especiales como Kissing Is A Secret, A Dime For The Curse Jar y Time For The Truth en los que demuestran dominar tempos más relajados. Ass Kicker #1 les muestra más punk. Double-Fister es una bofetada en la cara con ese riff y ese ritmo loco.
En fin, sin desperdicio, un discazo que tiene que estar en tu discoteca ya.

Julián Iturri
- www.ironskies.com

En provenance de St Louis, Missouri, Riddle of Steel sort son premier album après un maxi remarqué semble-t-il. Ce trio joue une musique qui s’inscrit dans le registre de Juno, Shiner ou du « polymer » de Blue Tip, soit une sorte d’indie émo rock pour adultes consentants…Riddle of Steel partage avec ces trois groupes un sens mélodique à gros riffs pas toujours des plus inventifs mais très percutants. La section rythmique répond au doigt et à l’œil avec un tel désir de bien faire qu’on peut même se demander si elle n’a pas été programmée…ça joue propre et sans bavure. Sur des envolées presque post hardcore mi-tempo Riddle of Steel pose une voix haut perchée, typée rock FM (aïe !) qui peut faire penser à de rares moments à celle de Mike Patton aux temps de Faith No More (re-aïe !). Au bout du quatrième morceau, le slow de l’album, on commence à s’ennuyer ferme et on n’a qu’une hâte c’est que le rythme s’emballe au plus vite pour nous tirer de cette torpeur naissante. Malgré deux, trois bons morceaux (one inch deep, saturn eats his children, the gaping jaw), une jolie pochette (made in Jason Farrell) et une réelle conviction musicale Riddle of Steel s’embourbe sur la longueur dans une mixture sonore pas très convaincante. Passable.

greg (8/10/03)
- www.stnt.org

En provenance de St Louis, Missouri, Riddle of Steel sort son premier album après un maxi remarqué semble-t-il. Ce trio joue une musique qui s’inscrit dans le registre de Juno, Shiner ou du « polymer » de Blue Tip, soit une sorte d’indie émo rock pour adultes consentants…Riddle of Steel partage avec ces trois groupes un sens mélodique à gros riffs pas toujours des plus inventifs mais très percutants. La section rythmique répond au doigt et à l’œil avec un tel désir de bien faire qu’on peut même se demander si elle n’a pas été programmée…ça joue propre et sans bavure. Sur des envolées presque post hardcore mi-tempo Riddle of Steel pose une voix haut perchée, typée rock FM (aïe !) qui peut faire penser à de rares moments à celle de Mike Patton aux temps de Faith No More (re-aïe !). Au bout du quatrième morceau, le slow de l’album, on commence à s’ennuyer ferme et on n’a qu’une hâte c’est que le rythme s’emballe au plus vite pour nous tirer de cette torpeur naissante. Malgré deux, trois bons morceaux (one inch deep, saturn eats his children, the gaping jaw), une jolie pochette (made in Jason Farrell) et une réelle conviction musicale Riddle of Steel s’embourbe sur la longueur dans une mixture sonore pas très convaincante. Passable.

greg (8/10/03)
- www.stnt.org

3 1/2 out of 4 BUNNIES!!!

Back before the term "emo" defined drippy, overwrought tunes about girls who ignored you in high school (see All-American Rejects and Saves the Day), it was used to describe bands like Jawbox and Rites of Spring, who took the cold, pulverizing sound of hardcore, shifted its perspective from the institutional to the personal and added a little melody. The second album from the St. Louis rock trio Riddle of Steel is rooted in this antiquated definition of emo but it is hardly stuck there. Hardcore is but a faded blueprint for tracks like "Invisible Hands" and "Aquiline," which build up drama with guitars that alternately soar or brood. "The Lovers of Nothing" sounds like Devo trying its hand at Queens of the Stone Age's stoner-rock rumble, and "Deeper Still" channels math-rock guitar lines into a surprisingly warm and, daresay, catchy chorus. In the end, Got This Feelin' sounds less like a Frankenstein jumble of conflicting musical ideas than an alternate evolutionary path that emo might've been better off taking.

-- David Peisner - PLAYBOY.COM

3 1/2 out of 4 BUNNIES!!!

Back before the term "emo" defined drippy, overwrought tunes about girls who ignored you in high school (see All-American Rejects and Saves the Day), it was used to describe bands like Jawbox and Rites of Spring, who took the cold, pulverizing sound of hardcore, shifted its perspective from the institutional to the personal and added a little melody. The second album from the St. Louis rock trio Riddle of Steel is rooted in this antiquated definition of emo but it is hardly stuck there. Hardcore is but a faded blueprint for tracks like "Invisible Hands" and "Aquiline," which build up drama with guitars that alternately soar or brood. "The Lovers of Nothing" sounds like Devo trying its hand at Queens of the Stone Age's stoner-rock rumble, and "Deeper Still" channels math-rock guitar lines into a surprisingly warm and, daresay, catchy chorus. In the end, Got This Feelin' sounds less like a Frankenstein jumble of conflicting musical ideas than an alternate evolutionary path that emo might've been better off taking.

-- David Peisner - PLAYBOY.COM

This is one of those CDs that jumps off the shelf, smacks you around a bit, then hops into the CD player, where it burns the machine's innards until it's a molten, lifeless heap. The St. Louis trio Riddle of Steel is well versed in the Ways of Rock, yet they've created a sound that is unmistakably their own. Call them the unruly offspring of King Crimson and Queens of the Stone Age, or consider them Led Zeppelin's heir apparent. Call them what you like; they don't really care, since what matters is their ability to rock. Hard. - WEEKLY PLANET -tampa

This is one of those CDs that jumps off the shelf, smacks you around a bit, then hops into the CD player, where it burns the machine's innards until it's a molten, lifeless heap. The St. Louis trio Riddle of Steel is well versed in the Ways of Rock, yet they've created a sound that is unmistakably their own. Call them the unruly offspring of King Crimson and Queens of the Stone Age, or consider them Led Zeppelin's heir apparent. Call them what you like; they don't really care, since what matters is their ability to rock. Hard. - WEEKLY PLANET -tampa

As with any sophomore release, expectations run high to surpass the successes of the band’s debut album, and St. Louis’ Riddle Of Steel have effortlessly outshined their exceptional introduction, 2003’s slithery Python. One reason for the obvious advancement is the piquant songwriting of guitarist/vocalist Andrew Elstner, who is now operating on the same levels as The Egg-era Shiner or The Shattering-era Season To Risk, but the bigger change is that Rob Smith (from Traindodge and Gunfighter) is behind the drum kit. It’s not entirely fair to state that Smith is necessarily tighter or jazzier than former skinsman Dave Turncrantz because both drummers fluently channel the polyrhythms of Neil Peart and Bill Bruford. Though Smith sports some fundamental fills, somehow he makes them faster to sound like The Fucking Champs—much more progressive and shifty than his dazzling work with Traindodge. Every cut of Got This Feelin’ utterly burns with innate power and verve, and the band emulates rock’s greatest at every turn. Elstner does a superlative impression of the guitar harmonics of The Police’s Andy Summers on opener “The Lovers Of Nothing,” and Smith’s floor tom-and-snare combo kicks off “Baby Bird” with brazen synergy. “Deeper Still” ends with a breathtaking outro that sounds like Cave In’s “Seafrost,” then the title track, buoyant upon Jimmy Vavak’s resplendent bass, has a bridge and interlude solos that make King Crimson look like a bunch of stodgy old men aping math rock. Riddle Of Steel are also experts at the ballad, and the layered guitars of the gentle “Invisible Hands” make the tune really shimmering and beautiful. “Detroit Flu” sounds like Wisconsin’s late great indie-popsters Space Bike with a possible lyrical nod to Steely Dan’s Donald Fagen. The rollicking “This Is A House Of Lies” pays equal homage to U2’s The Edge and King Crimson’s Adrian Belew, while Vavak’s beefy backing vocals hone “Our Guitars Are Haunted” for a more sharpened attack. Vavak assumes lead vocals on “The Sunshine Strangler,” a tightly wound package with Elstner’s ultra-jangly riffs at the choruses and Smith plugging The Police’s Stewart Copeland in the interlude around the two-minute mark. Album closer “Aquiline” is the more serene ballad of the two, this one approaching but not encroaching upon the majesty of “Kissing In Secret” from Python. With fetching artwork and lightning bolts reminiscent of Kiss’ Rock And Roll Over, Got This Feelin’ transcends the typical catchy-hooks-with-big-choruses indie rock for a technical yet accessible rawkfest that only Riddle Of Steel can deliver.
[Chris Ayers]

Posted 06/29/2005

- DIGITALMETAL.COM

As with any sophomore release, expectations run high to surpass the successes of the band’s debut album, and St. Louis’ Riddle Of Steel have effortlessly outshined their exceptional introduction, 2003’s slithery Python. One reason for the obvious advancement is the piquant songwriting of guitarist/vocalist Andrew Elstner, who is now operating on the same levels as The Egg-era Shiner or The Shattering-era Season To Risk, but the bigger change is that Rob Smith (from Traindodge and Gunfighter) is behind the drum kit. It’s not entirely fair to state that Smith is necessarily tighter or jazzier than former skinsman Dave Turncrantz because both drummers fluently channel the polyrhythms of Neil Peart and Bill Bruford. Though Smith sports some fundamental fills, somehow he makes them faster to sound like The Fucking Champs—much more progressive and shifty than his dazzling work with Traindodge. Every cut of Got This Feelin’ utterly burns with innate power and verve, and the band emulates rock’s greatest at every turn. Elstner does a superlative impression of the guitar harmonics of The Police’s Andy Summers on opener “The Lovers Of Nothing,” and Smith’s floor tom-and-snare combo kicks off “Baby Bird” with brazen synergy. “Deeper Still” ends with a breathtaking outro that sounds like Cave In’s “Seafrost,” then the title track, buoyant upon Jimmy Vavak’s resplendent bass, has a bridge and interlude solos that make King Crimson look like a bunch of stodgy old men aping math rock. Riddle Of Steel are also experts at the ballad, and the layered guitars of the gentle “Invisible Hands” make the tune really shimmering and beautiful. “Detroit Flu” sounds like Wisconsin’s late great indie-popsters Space Bike with a possible lyrical nod to Steely Dan’s Donald Fagen. The rollicking “This Is A House Of Lies” pays equal homage to U2’s The Edge and King Crimson’s Adrian Belew, while Vavak’s beefy backing vocals hone “Our Guitars Are Haunted” for a more sharpened attack. Vavak assumes lead vocals on “The Sunshine Strangler,” a tightly wound package with Elstner’s ultra-jangly riffs at the choruses and Smith plugging The Police’s Stewart Copeland in the interlude around the two-minute mark. Album closer “Aquiline” is the more serene ballad of the two, this one approaching but not encroaching upon the majesty of “Kissing In Secret” from Python. With fetching artwork and lightning bolts reminiscent of Kiss’ Rock And Roll Over, Got This Feelin’ transcends the typical catchy-hooks-with-big-choruses indie rock for a technical yet accessible rawkfest that only Riddle Of Steel can deliver.
[Chris Ayers]

Posted 06/29/2005

- DIGITALMETAL.COM