We’ve been stewing on this record for a couple weeks now and must admit Roadsaw have hit on what can only be described as the most formidable representation of their bone-crushing sound yet. True, 2002’s Rawk and Roll was a near classic but then the band disintegrated and for awhile looked doomed to the history books. Six years later the unthinkable happened and all Boston rejoiced as Roadsaw announced their return with their fourth slab of wax. The first word that comes to mind when listening to See You in Hell is balance. From the organ-lace keyboard “Intro” to the fuzzed out tornado that is “It’s Your Move,” the Massachusetts five-piece combine elements of Tool, Soundgarden and Fu Manchu with great attention to composition and sequencing. Going all the way back to their early beginnings in the mid-90’s See You In Hell is less punk-driven and more soul defining while still holding on to a big guitar punch. “Who Do You Think You Are” and the southern-tinged “Leavin” will rattle your brain, but listening to the acoustic desert echoing of “Dead Horse” shows the band still hold fast to their Sky Valley Kyuss worship.
The elegance of mood-setting “Receive” would have sounded out of place on the group’s 1998 biker-meets-trucker opus Nationwide but here, conjures up reverence for the unearthly tones of Uriah Heep, Hawkwind and early Sabbath. Originators bassist Tim Catz, vocalist Craig Riggs and guitarist Darryl Shepard hold the band to a high musical standard which climaxes with the pummeling “Look Pretty Lonely.” The track is catchy, intensely heavy and focused on the groove with Riggs doing his best Chris Cornell. Not to be outdone comes the roar of “Go It Alone” with Shepard and second guitarist Ian Ross peeling off one blistering riff after another. The fuse of evil power chords mixed with the a mega-ton rhythmic dirge sells “The Rules” as classic 70s rock and when they through in a bit of creepy pipe organ you have the title track “See You In Hell”. It’s easy to see why these guys are celebrated among the motor-stoner crowd when “Up To You” leaves beads of sweat dripping from your speakers. If you still believe in rawk, buy this mother.
- Todd K. Smith
January, 2009 (issue 66)
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