Grip Inc., Nemesis

Grip Inc., Nemesis - The American thrash metal outfit Grip Inc. are most recognised for their inclusion of ex-'Slayer' drummer Dave Lombardo, who frequently occurred as 'best drummer' in magazine polls and the like. The band also consists of the British vocalist Gus Chambers (21 Guns), bassist Jason Vie Brooks (Heathen), guitarist Waldemayr Sorchta (Voodoo Cult) and briefly the guitarist Bobby Gustafson (Overkill).

Following the band's awesome debut album "Power Of Inner Strength" in 1995, the fierce four-piece went on to release their follow-up album "Nemesis" in 1997.

The tracklisting is as follows:

1. Pathetic Liar

2. Portrait Of Henry

3. Empress (Of Rancor)

4. Descending Darkness

5. War Between One

6. Scream At The Sky

7. Silent Stranger

8. The Summoning

9. Rusty Nail

10. Myth Or Man

11. Code Of Silence

From the start of the album, the band deliver a guitar-heavy feast of hardcore/thrash metal that displays the members' individual musical talent perfectly. In much the same vein as the band's previous debut album, the album thrashes out its meaty guitar riffs with perhaps a slightly slower pace than its predecessor yet with the same heaviness and depth. The band manage to take you from harmonic and melodic to intense metal of speed and aggression, with their experienced song-writing skills.

The album is very well-produced, showing clearly the depth and layers of the group's music without diminishing the intensity and heaviness of it. Although this is a great album, I would still recommend the band's previous album "Power Of Inner Strength" as an introduction to the band rather than this one.

The band have since gone on to release the albums 'Solidify' in 1999 and the recent March 2004 album 'Incorporated'.