Article By: Taylor Waring ‡ Edited By: Leanne Ridgeway
Detroit’s road warriors AGAINST THE GRAIN’s ‘Cheated Death‘ is a furiously debauched, rock n’ roll slaughterhouse. Released back in February, the band’s fourth record was their first record released via West Coast powerhouse label Ripple Music.
The rhythm section of Chris (bass, vocals) and Rob (drums) create a hyper-powered engine for the twin leads of Kyle Davis (guitar, vocals) and Nick Bellomo (guitar) to soar over.
“Cheated Death” begins with an onslaught of the speed rock riffs the band is known for. However, the album has no lack of nuance with a groovy breakdown solo (like the one in “No Sleep”) and even features a vocally impressive ballad, “Devils and Angels”.
My favorite track is “Last Chance”. The tune opens with the rhythm section, and lord does Chris’s Rickenbacker sounds thick. As the tune locks in, we get a few minutes of laid back, bouncy guitar harmonies, which are well-paired with vocal harmonies (you know you love some “woahs”). After a tasty bass solo, Kyle and Nick trade licks all the way off into the sunset.
Cheated Death – Tracklist:
01. Cheated Death
02. Smoke
03. Sacrifice
04. No Sleep
05. Last Chance
06. Devils and Angels
07. High Heeled Woman
08. Rolling Stone
09. Enoughs Not Enough
10. Going Down Fast
11. Jaded and Faded
12. Into the Light
In a world now devoid of Saint Kilmister, it’s reassuring to know there are still rockers out there fighting the good fight. These dudes tour frequently, so make sure you check ‘em out next time they’re around (I’ve seen ‘em twice in the last year, and they absolutely rip).
AGAINST THE GRAIN has some U.S. tour runs coming up with GWAR, Stonecutters, Acid Witch, and will also be appearing at this year’s RPM Fest. You can find out more info on RPM Fest [HERE]. All tour dates are below, with more details available on the band’s Facebook page.
‘Cheated Death’ is available for purchase through Ripple Music via the Bandcamp stream below or [HERE].
AGAINST THE GRAIN:
Chris Nowak – Bass, Vocals
Nick Bellomo – Guitar
Kyle Davis – Guitar, Vocals
Rob Nowak – Drums
Bandcamp | Facebook
Tour Dates:
JUN 29 @ Smalls – Hamtramck, MI
JUL 11 @ Pierres – Fort Wayne, IN
JUL 13 @ The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI
JUL 14 @ Woolys – Des Moines, IA
JUL 15 @ The Bourbon Theatre – Lincoln, NE
JUL 16 @ The Blue Note – Columbia, MO
JUL 17 @ The Complex – Springfield, MO
JUL 20 @ The Orange Peel – Asheville, NC
AUG 24 @ The Foundry – Lakewood, OH
AUG 25 @ Saint Vitus Bar – Brooklyn, NY
AUG 26 @ RPM FEST – Montague, MA
SEP 13 @ The NorVa – Norfolk, VA
SEP 14 @ Mr Smalls – Pittsburgh, PA
SEP 16 @ The Bakery – Charleston, WV
