Jared DuBach
Pulse critic

Gusheads: 3 out of 4

The sound of the Hateful Dead is quite possibly the sound of "the next big thing," or at least it would be if the notion in itself wouldn't be such a slam on their musical ability. With the group's much-anticipated full-length debut on DigiDawg Records, The Hateful Dead have recorded and produced "Temptress," which seriously rivals Near Death Experience's new album for the title of "Best New Local Rock Album."

If there really were such a title or award between the two albums, the jury would have to be sequestered for weeks of deliberation. Both these albums are just that good and well worth purchasing for a few measly dollars.

There are absolutely no gimmicks, pulled punches or compromises in The Hateful Dead's sound. The members are unashamed of the fact that their key influences are Mr. Bungle, Melvins and Black Sabbath (leaning much more heavily on the Melvins and Sabbath side of the scale), and it definitely shows in the sound. Bassist Josh Beckmann's bass is like the distant rumbling of a thunderstorm, ready to shed a torrent of sound, accompanied by drummer Tim Beatty's crashing and thrashing behind the drum kit.

Guitarist Jared Miliger has been compared to Kurt Cobain on more than one occasion, mostly because when his hair used to be bleached blonde, he could've gone to Vegas and made a ton as a pro impersonator. His style of playing however, although encompassing some of Cobain's trashy sound, also has elements of any moder era guitar god from Jimi Hendrix to Jimmy Page and Zakk Wylde. The kid's a proverbial sponge of guitar sound, but on this album, he owns it.

"Heavy" is the only real word to describe it. Any other terms understate or overstate the boldness of the music. Calling the album "epic," although still flattering, indicates that there is a lot of fluff and elaborate orchestration, which is the exact opposite of Hateful Dead. "Action Street" and "Always You" are certainly the most stand out-ish tunes on the album, which makes them truly remarkable considering the sound that transcends the whole album is phenomenal, at one point delving down into a sort of Sabbath-like blues break.

The lead guitar on "Action Street" could be a little louder in the mix and attempts at trying to hear what they're saying by turning up the volume could result in serious hearing damage.

Beatty said he plans on producing a limited number of the CD with a "limited edition packaging" with a high collector's value that would be ruined if the disc were listened to. He suggests buying two, keeping one in reserve.

To sum it all up, Beckmann said it best of the long overdue release of his group's work: "It is what it is."

The release can be purchased at P Mac and Plaza Records.