Sunflower Dead comes straight out of California, a “supergroup” of sorts, comprised of members from a variety of different bands. The band’s backbone is composed of former Droid guitarist Jamie Teisssiere, former Two-Hit Creeper vocalist and accordion aficionado Michael Del Pizzo, and former Two-Hit Creeper guitarist “Jaboo”. In addition, the band features Jimmy Schultz (former touring drummer of In This Moment) and bassist Luis Gascon. Luis Gascon is featured on the album, but has presently left the band. In his place is now Leighton “Lats” Kearns formerly of Aussie hardrockers Memento. With a theatrical image consisting of white face paint and jet black contacts, like something out of 30 Days of Night (2007), don’t let image intimidate you because these guys are the real deal.These guys are straight up nice guys with big hearts and even bigger ambitions. Having weathered three big national tours (All That Remains, Hurt, and Ill Nino); Sunflower Dead have cut their teeth on the road and are ready for their big break.
Their self-titled debut, Sunflower Dead, was released via Bloody Bat Records and produced by Christian Olde Wolbers of Fear Factory notoriety. This album is sure to inhabit your CD player for a while. If you were a nu-metal kid back in the day, this album is like a throwback to everything you loved about metal and hard rock, but with a modern sound. It is important to note that one of the biggest feathers in the band’s cap is the range of vocalist Del Pizzo. His vocals are part David Draiman (Disturbed), part Chad Gray (Mudvayne), and even part Ozzy Osbourne. The man has a voice that is influenced by the best vocalists in rock/metal, but at the same time has individuality as well. Del Pizzo has a set of pipes that range from beautiful harmonies, haunting melodies, and of course, throat-shedding screams. There is a fondness of the employment of more singing and melody in his vocals, and sparing use of screams, but definitely where they are needed. Make no mistake, this is not a metalcore record, nor is it deathcore or any other “core” you can name out there. This album is straight up hard rock/nu-metal/alternative metal with a splash of thrash here and there, courtesy of lead guitarist Jaboo’s crazy solos.
The album starts off with “Make Me Drown”, which is also the first video and single off the album. The track is a good choice that samples the major grooves and melodies that are found sprinkled throughout the rest of the record. It also introduces an infectious choruses, courtesy of Del Pizzo, and the air tight rhythm section of drums and bass. Teissiere’s rhythm guitar playing adds color to support and reinforce Jaboo’s lead guitar licks, and to take the reign when Jaboo goes on a crazy thrash-like solo. The track is an effective opener and a nice clincher for what is to come. The second track, “Wasted”, is by far a favorite on the album. It is definitely a “put on replay” song with its infectious and memorable sound. This track is a good representation of what the band is about. The chorus has one of the most beautiful, catchy, and blood-pumping phrases ever heard. The crisp on/off double bass and guitar harmonies really drive home the powerful lyrics and vocals of Del Pizzo, which are reminiscent of an 80’s singer at parts on this track. Like the former track, this one ends with Del Pizzo belting out a few good screams to hit home the intensity and raw emotions the band has built up. “Ghosts” is a haunting little piece that slows down the tempo a bit initially but quickly picks up.
Without analyzing each track, you will have to enjoy each one on your own. There is plenty here for everyone, including a cover of the classic Police song “Every Breath You Take”. It is a decent cover that sits a little off beat with the rest of the album but may tickle your fancy. Tracks like “The Hand That Beats You” will bound to be a favorite as well. The rest of the album never really lets up or drags at any point. Whether you long for the older days of nu-metal of bands like Disturbed, Mudvayne, Slipknot, Taproot, and many others others, or need a refresher from the myriad of bands in the popular sub-genres of “core”, this album is for you. The guys are certainly on the road for bigger and better things to come. The seeds have been planted, and these sunflowers are anything but dead. Cryptic rock gives this album 4.5 out of 5 stars.
- Bloody Bat Records
Written by Mr. G
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I met this band in McAllen Texas and they were glad to talk to me and others who approached them. They got respect that night with how they carry themselves, they are good guys. And their music was so good they havea fan in me and my friends for life. It was the last concert my friend shad and I got to go together before cancer took him, and because of sunflower dead I’ll never forget my friend or that show. Thank you sunflower dead.