Album Review: Stuck Mojo - 'Here Come The Infidels'.

Formed in Altlanta, Georgia in 1989 Stuck Mojo became a force to be reckoned with in the mid 90’s with their trailblazing album ‘Snappin Necks’.  The band toured relentlessly with the likes of Pantera, Machine Head and Life Of Agony, and were pioneers of the exploding rap metal movement of that time. Four albums later, at the turn of the millennium, the band went on an extended hiatus. 

Since then there have been bursts of activity and two albums; 2006’s ‘Southern Born Killers’ closely followed by 2008’s ‘The Great Revival’.  2016 then sees their latest return, and teaming up again with man of the moment producer Andy Sneap, ‘Here Come The Infidels’ reveals southern swagger in abundance, with juggernaut riffs combined with their trademark hip hop elements and also some very hooky choruses.  
Opening with the title track, ‘Here Come The Infidels’ reveals a the band on top form. With its Slayer-esque riffing and gang chorus, it pins the listeners ears back and demands full attention from the get go. The alarmingly-titled ‘Rape Whistle’ follows suit, boasting a riff that the late Dimebag Darrell would have drooled over. Complemented by pile the driving rhythms of Frank Fontsere, the drummer also shines on ‘Worst Person On Earth’, which too thrives on a classic Pantera feel.

Elsewhere, ‘Charles Bronson’ is a tribute to the ‘Death Wish’ movies, with a subject matter about vigilantes and vengeance. It sways and bounces around like a madman in a rubber cell, and its memorable chorus sits well with the monster riffs. Taking a similar thematic tack, ‘The Business Of Hate’ has a tangible hard core punk feel to, it with vocalist Robby J spitting out the vocals with angst without compromising the appeal of the sing along chorus. 

It’s gripping stuff, and ‘Verbal Combat’ continues along the same the high-energy template, grooving along like the bastard child of Biohazard and House of Pain. It’s far from one dimensional however, and the dynamic aspect of each track makes for a very interesting listen, which reveals more and more on of every listen.

A return to form for Stuck Mojo, ‘Here Come the Infidels’ is  a release that stands shoulder to shoulder with their best work. A superb production from Mr. Sneap combined with virtuoso performances from the entire band conspire to make a thoroughly good listen. The infidels are coming; beware the unfaithful!   
 
By Lee Kendrick on 27th June 2016. 

'Here Come The Infidels' is out now. 

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