M.O.D. - Red, White, And Screwed (Index Entertainment)
In both S.O.D. (fronting the moonlighting Anthrax) and M.O.D., Billy Milano has always been the king of hardcore/metal crossover, as well as one of the most hilariously politically-incorrect blowhards in the history of punk. Milano grew up in Jersey, came of age as part of the early NYC/HC scene, helped guide NY and NJ hardcore for years with a studio in Hoboken, and is now based in Texas, where he put together this lineup of M.O.D. You won't hear a catchier metal or HC release this year, as Milano's new boys fuse rapidfire drums with bludgeoning riffs and singalong melodies. Even better, Milano's backed off from the overtly comedic shtick of the last few M.O.D. releases; he's still fomenting rabid right-wing political opinions (as on the anti-immigration rant "Jose Can You See,") and he can still be funny when it's called for, but he's no longer playing the buffoon. Tracks like "Bullshit Politics," "Hardcore Harry," and "Suicide Bomb Pop" all take on current political issues with Milano's characteristic no-bullshit venom, while "Alphabet City Stomp" serves up a nostalgic summary of his glory days at A7 and CBGB. This is one of the most powerful CD's I've heard in a long time, a much-needed return to hardcore basics without any of the distractions of today's math-rock, prog-metal, and screamo pretenders. Welcome back, M.O.D. As Ben Grimm would say, it's clobberin' time! - Jim Testa
CD Reviews - JerseyBeat.com
