Description
Today Is The Days album ‘Pain Is A Warning’ is possibly the strongest recording from Steve Austin in a very long time. As much as I enjoyed In The Eyes of God, Sadness Will Prevail, Kiss the Pig, and Axis of Eden, I would rate this album as being in the top tier of their released output, equally good when compared to classics like Willpower and their self-titled release, but just a step below their masterpiece, Temple of the Morning Star, which was going to be a tough one to top for any band. What makes this album truly great is how it blends everything that makes Today Is The Day interesting into one unanimous front. Hints of the noise-rock from the Amphetamine Reptile days pop up, as does the melodic, melancholy beauty heard on Temple of the Morning Star. It's also got the grinding, heavy feel that was present on Eyes of God and Kiss the Pig. It also adds a dirty, crusty punk feel, complete with shouted gang vocals and in the case of the fifth track, a lengthy, moshy section that I know will be a hit in the pit when played live. However, this album has improved in many respects for the band the possibilities of finding a larger fanbase. It is a short nine tracks, meaning the lengthy experimentalism of the double album Sadness Will Prevail has been cut back upon. That is not to say you will feel ripped off with the nine tracks; if anything, the frenzied feel of these tracks ripping by will give you a sense of reprieve when it finally finishes. It is pure energy, steamrolling forward, beating you senseless. Anything more, and it might wear out its welcome. The most noticeable thing for me was seeing Steve breaking away from using the high-pitched, distorted vocals that seemed to be everywhere in his work circa 2002-2005. This time, it's a diverse blend, incorporating the distortion, a deep shout, and at times a more guttural sound that hasn't been used in some time. This is probably one of his best vocal performances to date in my opinion, and anyone who has ever felt moved by the display of emotion the man shows (whether anger, sadness or even) will likely find this to be a seminal release. All in all, for the converted and diehards: You're going to love this. It is easily the most focused assault from Today Is The Day in years, and easily the best line-up the band has worked with in some time as well. The songwriting is top notch, and everything that made me love this band has been honed down and distilled to its purest essence. For the uninitiated, this is as good a place to start as any, and I truly hope that this great release will bring the band new converts who will go to find even more bliss with their prior efforts. Track listing: 1. Expectations Exceed Reality 2. Death Curse 3. Pain Is A Warning 4. Wheelin 5. The Devils Blood 6. Remember To Forget 7. Slave To Serenity 8. This Is You 9. Samurai