I like the harder side of metal and alternative music. I enjoy listening to "Chop Suey" by System Of A Down or "Wait And Bleed" by Slipknot. But you'd never catch me buying one of thier albums. Of course, one exception to that rule is The Height Of Callousness by Spineshank. If any of you read my previous review of their first album, Strictly Diesel, you're probably scratching your heads wondering why the change of heart.

Spineshank QUICKLY came into their own in the two-year haitus between their first and second album, and I'll admit I'm wildly impressed by the sound they've delved for themselves. It's just as hard and as raunchy as their first album, but it's clear they know what their doing. There's still a wide element of experimentation evident in this album, but they've found thier base sound, and are now interested in refining who they are, rather than trying to find out who they are.

A few singles have wormed their way into the hearts of underground music listeners, "Synthetic" and "New Disease" being the officially released tracks. Videos for these songs were also released, which certainly helped to boost the publicity, as these videos were played constantly on stations such as MTV2 and MTV in the States, and Kerrang! and VH1 in Europe.

Lyrically, the songs are still fairly angsty, but along with coming into their music, Spineshank also came into their lives. The songs have more meaning than just pointless despair, and are also a little more confident, giving the entire attitude of the album enough extra momentum to keep you listening to it long after it first entered your CD player.

If Spineshank continue on at this pace, their third installment might even make the Rolling Stone top 40!

Rating: B+

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