Two Reviews for the Price of One: Ritalin Attack – James Doesn’t Exist Split + Gutter Bombin’

Ritalin Attack / James Doesn’t ExistSplit (13 April 2012, Torn Flesh Records)

 

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Ritalin AttackGutter Bombin’ (07 May 2012, Torn Flesh Records)

 

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Hey there. I thought it’d never get here, but it’s finally Friday!! And there was much rejoicing. Yay.

So, remember last week when I was talking about music journalists who somehow find the time to also be musicians?

Well, at that time I also started writing this review of the recent split release between Ritalin Attack (the brainchild of Ross Gnarly, of American Aftermath fame) and fellow one-man grind band James Doesn’t Exist, which was intended to be published that same day as kind of a companion piece. But then, as it often does, life got in the way and I didn’t get it finished on-time.

Then, ironically, on Monday I learned that Torn Flesh Records had issued another Ritalin attack release, called Gutter Bombin’. I said ironically, because here I sit, unable to complete one article written on-schedule, and meanwhile an entire album of music (well, more of a mini-EP, to be fair) had been written and recorded AND released.

It’s no wonder Ross manages to write and publish nearly 4,000 articles a week (approximately), and it’s also completely fitting that this artist’s name should refer to Ritalin. Also known as Methylphenidate, Ritalin is a drug often prescribed to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) — probably a condition with a high rate of occurrence among performers and fans alike in the grindcore scene — despite the fact that the medication itself is a stimulant, and from a chemical standpoint is basically a milder form of cocaine. Of course I’m not a doctor or a scientist or whatever, but I have absolutely no idea why that would help.

Anyway, the point of all this is, I’ve now edited and amended what I originally had begun writing, so that now it covers both releases — including how to download each of them 100% free, from the nice people at Torn Flesh.

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Ion Vein to Open for Testament; Celebrate With a Free 3-Song Download!

Chicago based metallers ION VEIN will be making their return to the stage in a big way, opening for the legendary TESTAMENT at The Fuel Room in Libertyville, IL on Friday, February 10th. In a statement released from the band: “We’re very excited to announce that our first show in support of IV v1.0, and our debut show with Scott and Rob, will be sharing the stage with the mighty TESTAMENT and Chicago’s upstart thrashers DIAMOND PLATE. This is the perfect way to kick the IV v1.0 release cycle into high gear and we can’t wait to dial everything up live with all of you once again!”

 

Keep on reading for more information, including a free “DR” (Digital Release) download of the first three songs from the band’s upcoming album!
 

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