Record Label: Abacus Recordings
Genre: Metalcore
Band Link: link
Buy on Amazon.com link

Cancer Bats play sluggish, unimpressive metalcore. I like that the vocals are old schoolish and not mindless screeching, and they’ve also got some pretty good lyrics for the genre. But man – the attempts at riffing are soooo weak. Now, I understand they’re from Canada, where riffing is a new and strange incursion. Remember, this is a country weaned on the waterfall-like arpeggios of Rush. The last guy to attempt some chunky riffs was Neil Young, and he was so sloppy at it that more generous rock critics have dubbed it proto-grunge.

So Cancer Bats have trouble finding their way around a guitar. Well, you know who else did? Mother Teresa. And she was a wonderful person who may even be canonized into a saint. So think about that.

But seriously, Cancer Bats really suck by mindlessly hitting the same note and occasionally wailing on the whammy bar. These guys need a few more hours on Guitar Hero. Or at least Um Jammer Lammy.

Bottom Line: Bad metalcore with good vox.
Notable Tracks: 100 Grand Canyon
Overall Rating: