Superkollider

They're labelmates with Tree and Scissorfight, so you expect heavyness, and you get it. Tougher to pigeonhole than I expected, though. The songs tend to be short, like punk; riff-driven like Helmet; and they make me want to jump up and down like most of the bands that currently air on WAAF. Thank Christ, they don't rap. I'll call them metal, and let others argue the semantics of genre labels.
Terry Boisclair's vocals call to mind early Rollins with better dynamics (i.e., Pantera's Phil Anselmo). The songs that work best for me are the ones that don't sound like they just walked off the second stage at Ozzfest, the ones that dare to have enough melodicism and (dare I say it?) catchiness that they become more than just repetitive rhythms propelled by drop-tuned guitars. Dangerous territory, this no-man's land between "melodic" and "metal"-go too far towards heavy, you become noise -too far towards melodic, you become Godsmack. "Human" is the song that walks this line with the most finesse, "Element" sounds like a Tool/Helmet hybrid, and "Sleep" treads a bit close to Mudvayne territory, albeit without the math-rock frippery. Let's hope Superkollider tour with Scissorfight, because those New Hampshire boys will kick some ass if their tour-mates start going soft.
(Tim Emswiler)
- www.thenoise-boston.com

They're labelmates with Tree and Scissorfight, so you expect heavyness, and you get it. Tougher to pigeonhole than I expected, though. The songs tend to be short, like punk; riff-driven like Helmet; and they make me want to jump up and down like most of the bands that currently air on WAAF. Thank Christ, they don't rap. I'll call them metal, and let others argue the semantics of genre labels.
Terry Boisclair's vocals call to mind early Rollins with better dynamics (i.e., Pantera's Phil Anselmo). The songs that work best for me are the ones that don't sound like they just walked off the second stage at Ozzfest, the ones that dare to have enough melodicism and (dare I say it?) catchiness that they become more than just repetitive rhythms propelled by drop-tuned guitars. Dangerous territory, this no-man's land between "melodic" and "metal"-go too far towards heavy, you become noise -too far towards melodic, you become Godsmack. "Human" is the song that walks this line with the most finesse, "Element" sounds like a Tool/Helmet hybrid, and "Sleep" treads a bit close to Mudvayne territory, albeit without the math-rock frippery. Let's hope Superkollider tour with Scissorfight, because those New Hampshire boys will kick some ass if their tour-mates start going soft.
(Tim Emswiler)
- www.thenoise-boston.com

I shall steal a popular adjective from the 60s to describe Superkollider's music; "heavy". The music borders hard rock and metal, but doesn't really teeter into either territory. The music is not a rapid fire type of sound, yet, it's more of a constant drilling, or beating if you will, of heavy guitar riffs into your head. This band out of Boston reminds me of Helmet, but only-again- heavier. "Boldface" is the fastest tune here, and it also happens to my favorite. Well, the second cut "Transmission" is also right up there with it's great opening riffs. The guitar work is simply awesome. If Superkollider's music was a serial killer, it would be the kind who methodically stalks it's prey and then slowly inflict it's will upon the victim. I don't think I've ever heard tougher guitar riffs while still remaining so melodic and catchy at the same time. Cheers to guitarist Erik Markarian! Very cool and impressive thirteen song debut disc.- Denis Sheehan - www.askewreviews.com

I shall steal a popular adjective from the 60s to describe Superkollider's music; "heavy". The music borders hard rock and metal, but doesn't really teeter into either territory. The music is not a rapid fire type of sound, yet, it's more of a constant drilling, or beating if you will, of heavy guitar riffs into your head. This band out of Boston reminds me of Helmet, but only-again- heavier. "Boldface" is the fastest tune here, and it also happens to my favorite. Well, the second cut "Transmission" is also right up there with it's great opening riffs. The guitar work is simply awesome. If Superkollider's music was a serial killer, it would be the kind who methodically stalks it's prey and then slowly inflict it's will upon the victim. I don't think I've ever heard tougher guitar riffs while still remaining so melodic and catchy at the same time. Cheers to guitarist Erik Markarian! Very cool and impressive thirteen song debut disc.- Denis Sheehan - www.askewreviews.com

Looking at the cover of the CD I expected a more pop sounding band or something more ethereal, but here is Superkollider making me eat my thoughts. Why? Because they make a really modern sounding metal (don´t worry !! This is completely different from bands like Limp Bizkit, no hip hop here). The band that came into my mind more often when listening to this was The Almighty in their heaviest format ("Crank" era), I think especially in the vocals parts and the hooks. The riffs are a cross between metal, hardcore and alternative music with a really fat sound in the guitars. Songs like "Transmission" and "Mean" have enough power to shatter your ears with their crushing riffs and fans of metal and hardcore would most likely be satisfied with this band. Songs like "Element" take a more metal approach in the vein of say Soulfly or Roots-era Sepultura. The thirteen songs here are totally certifying that you will bang your head along with them. Favorite tracks: "Transmission", "Painstaking" (really Almighty) and "Human". - www.musicextreme.com

Looking at the cover of the CD I expected a more pop sounding band or something more ethereal, but here is Superkollider making me eat my thoughts. Why? Because they make a really modern sounding metal (don´t worry !! This is completely different from bands like Limp Bizkit, no hip hop here). The band that came into my mind more often when listening to this was The Almighty in their heaviest format ("Crank" era), I think especially in the vocals parts and the hooks. The riffs are a cross between metal, hardcore and alternative music with a really fat sound in the guitars. Songs like "Transmission" and "Mean" have enough power to shatter your ears with their crushing riffs and fans of metal and hardcore would most likely be satisfied with this band. Songs like "Element" take a more metal approach in the vein of say Soulfly or Roots-era Sepultura. The thirteen songs here are totally certifying that you will bang your head along with them. Favorite tracks: "Transmission", "Painstaking" (really Almighty) and "Human". - www.musicextreme.com

I've been hearing about Superkollider for a long, long time. Well, their
much hyped and highly
anticipated Wonderdrug debut is finally here, and I must say, this one packs
a whallop.

"Resolution" kicks your ass right from the get-go with thick, chunky guitar
and bass riffs. Kevin
brings the thunder with loud drums that resonate in your ear canals while
Terry screams his
throaty vocals in the same direction. Think blistering metal with a
chunkified rhythmic
foundation. Crunching guitar riffs from Erik and the fast, thick low end
noise of Kevin and Mike
hit hard on "Transmission". Scratchy, aggressive vocals join the mix, asking
the question: "My
transmission/Are you receiving the transmission?" Relentless stomping noise
and crushing
guitar riffs are sure to please.

The thick, chunky rhythmic groove of "Mean" sets the table for sarcastic
vocals and
machine-like guitars that don't give up. The song was written for everyone
who thinks the world
is against them, even though it really isn't. Terry's sarcasm reaches a peak
as he remarks:
"Something that you tried at/Went so far under/Brought you to the
earth/Brought you to the
dirt/Life is so mean to you." A hammering, hypnotic groove closes out the
song. "Boldface"
kicks into the thick groove right from the start with chunky, crushing
guitar riffs leading the way.
Throaty vocals get more aggressive as the groove continues throughout the
song.

Burning guitar riffs from Erik begin the fury of "Human". Crunching rhythmic
thunder settles into
a groove and hypnotizes you as Terry goes off and comments about society.
His lyrics are
some of the most intelligent ones I have ever read by far: "Wisdom is wasted
when change is
not wanted/You bury the scars of the earth by paving over them". "Hindsight"
is energetic right
from the start with the thick, grooving rhythm section leading the way.
Searing guitar riffs and
throaty, aggressive vocals soon follow, completing the track, showcasing
their talent for
songwriting.

Overall, Superkollider gets an 8 out of 10 for their Wonderdrug debut. When
they're on, they're
really on. Sometimes, the songs get a little stale, and that's the only
reason they didn't get a
higher rating. This is a very good album that can best be described as metal
with a groove. The
cover picture and album artwork are cool too. Nice work guys.

On the Matt Scale: 8 out of 10

Recommended Tracks: "Resolution", "Transmission", "Boldface", "Mean", and
"Human"
- www.megakungfu.com

I've been hearing about Superkollider for a long, long time. Well, their
much hyped and highly
anticipated Wonderdrug debut is finally here, and I must say, this one packs
a whallop.

"Resolution" kicks your ass right from the get-go with thick, chunky guitar
and bass riffs. Kevin
brings the thunder with loud drums that resonate in your ear canals while
Terry screams his
throaty vocals in the same direction. Think blistering metal with a
chunkified rhythmic
foundation. Crunching guitar riffs from Erik and the fast, thick low end
noise of Kevin and Mike
hit hard on "Transmission". Scratchy, aggressive vocals join the mix, asking
the question: "My
transmission/Are you receiving the transmission?" Relentless stomping noise
and crushing
guitar riffs are sure to please.

The thick, chunky rhythmic groove of "Mean" sets the table for sarcastic
vocals and
machine-like guitars that don't give up. The song was written for everyone
who thinks the world
is against them, even though it really isn't. Terry's sarcasm reaches a peak
as he remarks:
"Something that you tried at/Went so far under/Brought you to the
earth/Brought you to the
dirt/Life is so mean to you." A hammering, hypnotic groove closes out the
song. "Boldface"
kicks into the thick groove right from the start with chunky, crushing
guitar riffs leading the way.
Throaty vocals get more aggressive as the groove continues throughout the
song.

Burning guitar riffs from Erik begin the fury of "Human". Crunching rhythmic
thunder settles into
a groove and hypnotizes you as Terry goes off and comments about society.
His lyrics are
some of the most intelligent ones I have ever read by far: "Wisdom is wasted
when change is
not wanted/You bury the scars of the earth by paving over them". "Hindsight"
is energetic right
from the start with the thick, grooving rhythm section leading the way.
Searing guitar riffs and
throaty, aggressive vocals soon follow, completing the track, showcasing
their talent for
songwriting.

Overall, Superkollider gets an 8 out of 10 for their Wonderdrug debut. When
they're on, they're
really on. Sometimes, the songs get a little stale, and that's the only
reason they didn't get a
higher rating. This is a very good album that can best be described as metal
with a groove. The
cover picture and album artwork are cool too. Nice work guys.

On the Matt Scale: 8 out of 10

Recommended Tracks: "Resolution", "Transmission", "Boldface", "Mean", and
"Human"
- www.megakungfu.com

When I was living in Boston, a friend introduced me to a Boston-born band called Stompbox. Their 1994 album, Stress, is still one of my absolute favorites. They've since broken up... or have they?
When I started listening to Superkollider's disk, I couldn't help thinking that they reminded me of Stompbox; as I heard more, I started to wonder if there were some members of Stompbox in Superkollider-- the rusty vocals, driving guitars and grungy overall sound is so similar. Superkollider sounds more raw, but this is their first big album. Helmet sounded coarser before a major label got in there and engineered the hell out of the second album. Superkollider could easily be Stompbox's first, locally-produced album.
The whole album rocks. It's almost metalcore, or not-radio-friendly hard rock with an edge. There are elements of the aforementioned Helmet and early Clutch, a bristling sincerity and aggression that still really grooves and churns. "Mean" is an amusing, sarcastic spit-in-the-face at those people who have everything too easy and still complain how hard their lives are. "Element" experiments with Alice In Chains-type harmonies. "Coffee" has such a great beat that I've danced on the subway platform while listening to it on my Diskman-- although the bridge on that song was a big mistake (plaintively sung, "How do you take your coffee, how do you take your life, how do you take your death?").
It turns out, of course, that Superkollider contains no part of Stompbox's line-up, but was produced by the same guy, which may explain some of the similarities.
As a side note, the Wonderdrug label kicks ass in general, with these guys, Scissorfight, Watchmaker, Sam Black Church, TREE and other Boston heavies in their stable. I hightly recommend a visit to the Wonderdrug Records website.
- www.metaljudgment.com

When I was living in Boston, a friend introduced me to a Boston-born band called Stompbox. Their 1994 album, Stress, is still one of my absolute favorites. They've since broken up... or have they?
When I started listening to Superkollider's disk, I couldn't help thinking that they reminded me of Stompbox; as I heard more, I started to wonder if there were some members of Stompbox in Superkollider-- the rusty vocals, driving guitars and grungy overall sound is so similar. Superkollider sounds more raw, but this is their first big album. Helmet sounded coarser before a major label got in there and engineered the hell out of the second album. Superkollider could easily be Stompbox's first, locally-produced album.
The whole album rocks. It's almost metalcore, or not-radio-friendly hard rock with an edge. There are elements of the aforementioned Helmet and early Clutch, a bristling sincerity and aggression that still really grooves and churns. "Mean" is an amusing, sarcastic spit-in-the-face at those people who have everything too easy and still complain how hard their lives are. "Element" experiments with Alice In Chains-type harmonies. "Coffee" has such a great beat that I've danced on the subway platform while listening to it on my Diskman-- although the bridge on that song was a big mistake (plaintively sung, "How do you take your coffee, how do you take your life, how do you take your death?").
It turns out, of course, that Superkollider contains no part of Stompbox's line-up, but was produced by the same guy, which may explain some of the similarities.
As a side note, the Wonderdrug label kicks ass in general, with these guys, Scissorfight, Watchmaker, Sam Black Church, TREE and other Boston heavies in their stable. I hightly recommend a visit to the Wonderdrug Records website.
- www.metaljudgment.com

The heavy, abrasive sound is deeply rooted in Boston's heavy music tradition, and Superkollider keeps it alive while combining it with a hardcore style that got lost in the mad scramble some years ago. As for name-dropping, Helmet is a pretty good reference point-themselves being a hard band to describe. The riffs are as choppy as bad cell phone reception, and the punk-flavored sarcasm makes this band flow with an amusing fuck-you attitude. And not since Helmet (and maybe Hatebreed on the outside) has a band been able to use space this effectively within their riffs. Continuing with the tightness theme, every member of the band maintains strict control on how little ring or reverb comes out of their playing, particularly the drums. The exception might be the bass, which has some of that dirty slather in there, backing up the really dry guitar sound nicely without overdoing it. Vocalist Terry Boisclair reminds me a lot of Erich from Stompbox (remember Stompbox? Criminally underated), particularly with that layer of gravel that permeates each level of his vocals, from balls-out screaming to the "clean" singing. Superkollider is one of the most enjoyable bands in the Boston earfuck family.
- www.micstandonline.com

The heavy, abrasive sound is deeply rooted in Boston's heavy music tradition, and Superkollider keeps it alive while combining it with a hardcore style that got lost in the mad scramble some years ago. As for name-dropping, Helmet is a pretty good reference point-themselves being a hard band to describe. The riffs are as choppy as bad cell phone reception, and the punk-flavored sarcasm makes this band flow with an amusing fuck-you attitude. And not since Helmet (and maybe Hatebreed on the outside) has a band been able to use space this effectively within their riffs. Continuing with the tightness theme, every member of the band maintains strict control on how little ring or reverb comes out of their playing, particularly the drums. The exception might be the bass, which has some of that dirty slather in there, backing up the really dry guitar sound nicely without overdoing it. Vocalist Terry Boisclair reminds me a lot of Erich from Stompbox (remember Stompbox? Criminally underated), particularly with that layer of gravel that permeates each level of his vocals, from balls-out screaming to the "clean" singing. Superkollider is one of the most enjoyable bands in the Boston earfuck family.
- www.micstandonline.com

I miss the good ol' days when Red Beard here in Dallas or Joe Anthony in san Antonio would debut new bands and alternative rock sounds on the Texas' Best Rock Radio Stations.
But, since there's no midday radio show promoting new music talent it's been left up to print media to inform the general public on what's worth listening to these days. However, since I wasn't a music major in college, and I don't know a "reverb" from an "echo"... I'll skip all the $10 words and just be honest. I know good music when I hear it and this week, the good music comes from a Boston band known as "Superkollider".
Reminiscent of some of Pantara & Metallica's work, this band from Bean Town has a driving rhythm to their music that's great just for the instrumentals. I popped their self-titled debut CD in the car while driving home last night, and damn! It's good to know that heavy metal bands still exist. Honestly, for a split second I felt like was back in high school, listening to the pulse-pounding heavy metal that defined the 80's(NOT your hair bands).
Before I even saw the CD cover, I assumed Superkollider was a Texas band, because of the overall attitude from their music(that and the band name). Remember when they were going to build a supercollider here?
So just who the hell are these guys in this band? Good question! Their website is up-and-running www.superkollider.com but offers little in the form of bios on each musician. However, there's a message board set up as well as a request page, so you can find answers to what you need. While online, you can sample Superkollider's music and even order your own copy.(Dude! It's only $8 plus shipping and handling. It's definitely worth it!)
According to disc jockeys across the country, track 2, titled "Transmission", is one of the band's more popular songs and is even featured in the independent feature film "Mutual Admiration Society". The final track "Sleep" is a very close second. Problem is, this track is just a little too short for me. Other great tracks are "Resolution" and "Springtime", which seems more radio friendly.
There's a section of Superkollider's website www.superkollider.com where you can sign in to get these guys played on the air. I'd say go for it, let's get Superkollider out there to the masses. - Dr. Dave Clark
- www.adultnewsonline.com

I miss the good ol' days when Red Beard here in Dallas or Joe Anthony in san Antonio would debut new bands and alternative rock sounds on the Texas' Best Rock Radio Stations.
But, since there's no midday radio show promoting new music talent it's been left up to print media to inform the general public on what's worth listening to these days. However, since I wasn't a music major in college, and I don't know a "reverb" from an "echo"... I'll skip all the $10 words and just be honest. I know good music when I hear it and this week, the good music comes from a Boston band known as "Superkollider".
Reminiscent of some of Pantara & Metallica's work, this band from Bean Town has a driving rhythm to their music that's great just for the instrumentals. I popped their self-titled debut CD in the car while driving home last night, and damn! It's good to know that heavy metal bands still exist. Honestly, for a split second I felt like was back in high school, listening to the pulse-pounding heavy metal that defined the 80's(NOT your hair bands).
Before I even saw the CD cover, I assumed Superkollider was a Texas band, because of the overall attitude from their music(that and the band name). Remember when they were going to build a supercollider here?
So just who the hell are these guys in this band? Good question! Their website is up-and-running www.superkollider.com but offers little in the form of bios on each musician. However, there's a message board set up as well as a request page, so you can find answers to what you need. While online, you can sample Superkollider's music and even order your own copy.(Dude! It's only $8 plus shipping and handling. It's definitely worth it!)
According to disc jockeys across the country, track 2, titled "Transmission", is one of the band's more popular songs and is even featured in the independent feature film "Mutual Admiration Society". The final track "Sleep" is a very close second. Problem is, this track is just a little too short for me. Other great tracks are "Resolution" and "Springtime", which seems more radio friendly.
There's a section of Superkollider's website www.superkollider.com where you can sign in to get these guys played on the air. I'd say go for it, let's get Superkollider out there to the masses. - Dr. Dave Clark
- www.adultnewsonline.com