The way it was in the basement..........

Ok, the next few posts I'm going to make are all about another group I was really into in the early 90s'. If you have followed the Sludge Swamp since it's beginning, you know I take you on lots of side trips into my musical tastes. I was really into early punk, and anything anti-establishment, and really got into grunge as it formed. I just hung out with a lot of bands trying to make it happen, lots of drugs, and lots of anger towards corporate greed, and other issues. As you all know, I really liked Warrior Soul, because of their lyrics and crusty punk/metal sound. Well, another band I followed from their humble beginnings was Amen. They formed in 93 or 94, and had a great punk/metal vibe going. Casey Chaos, their lead singer and only member who has remained through the revolving door of musicians in the band, had a history in singing rebellious music. I really like their early material, and only seldom listen to any of the later material. Anyways, here we go... (if you don't like my side-noodling, you can skip this post and check out any of the other 5000+ albums on the Sludge Swamp and find something you do like!)......

"To fully understand where We Have Come for Your Parents came from, you should hear Amen's self-titled Roadrunner debut. Amen (with four extra tracks from the spiky Whores of Hollywood EP as a sweetener to those who already own it), is full of anger, misanthropy, and self-disgust. Casey Chaos screeches like he's being burned alive on "Down Human," while the banks of guitars race him to the end. There's nothing clean and polished here; you can hear things breaking and cracking under the pressure, be they people (including Casey himself, who screams "Punish me!" like he really means it on "Drive") or equipment. This is a perfect introduction to an exciting band." (review from Emma Johnston).

Check em' out here: Amen.

Amen - Self Titled (Remastered):