F.T.U.N. Review

Band	Slumpark Correctional
Album	F.T.U.N.
Type	EP
Released	April 13, 2007
Genres	Thrash
Labels	Independent
Length	21:07

Reviewer :  kain_686         Rating :  66 / 100

Slumpark Correctional are from Syria and it is interesting to see that even in this country metal bands can exist and record music, but they might be given a hard time by the government or religious authorities. Metal and Islam do not go well along in the eyes of those in charge in Muslim or Islamic countries and the examples told by the Lebanese band Kaoteon in interviews give an impression on how things might be in the even less 'modern' Syria.

The first impression left by this release is its good sound. Another would be the obvious background of at least some band members: Sepultura and Soulfly; the emphasis lies on the latter one. Yes, there is a cover from the Chaos A.D. album, but the general approach is more in vein of Max Cavalera's solo project. The music is thrash/groove metal around which comes in a mixture of the aforementioned release and some of the later Max Cavalera albums. The resemblance in the vocals is really striking; I really mean it. Listen to the music and judge by yourself. Tempo and expression of the lyrics are amazingly similar.

As I do not give a fuck about the discussion whether Sepultura has lost it with Chaos A.D. or Roots and as I also listen to Soulfly at times, this release is something I am thoroughly able to enjoy. The songs have a lot of power, drive and are very catchy. The lyrics are a bit shallow at times -- Lick the Droppings --, but it is endurable. From this perspective not much is left to be desired.

Hard to say if this is good, as the concept is closely linked to the two bands which are mentioned in the title and Slumpark Correctional is not really able to step out of the shadow these. The music is well performed, the production, even though quite decent, presents the instruments slightly unbalanced, but the songs are at least quite catchy. Actually, I wonder whether they took riffs and motives from Soulfly and Sepultura and used them for their own purposes. I cannot help myself, but I have the feeling to have heard some ideas before. Maybe someone else with more knowledge of Soulfly can clear matters up. So, unless someone offers some evidence on the issue of riff-recycling, the band will get 66 points form me