Initial Impressions: Rumpelstiltskin Grinder: Ghostmaker

Their name is ridiculous of course, but Rumpelstiltskin Grinder is absolutely one of my favorite bands from the nu-thrash wave.  Part of that is their bizarre and morbid sense of humor.  Thrash metal has never really been humorless, groups like Anthrax, Exodus, and some others have definitely shown their sense of humor through their work.  Rumpelstiltskin Grinder is not as off-the-wall as Lich King, but they definitely show their sense of humor throughout.

Part of what makes Rumpelstiltskin Grinder so compelling musically is that the band does not really sound like anyone else.  With a lot of the newer thrash metal acts, it is fairly easy to trace their influences, oftentimes it is obvious by the band's name, but there are some definite giveaways in the music itself just as often.  That is not the case with Rumpelstiltskin Grinder.  This is a band that stands out from the litany of groups aping their sound from more-established acts.  Rumpelstiltskin Grinder utilizes influences from a variety of non-thrash metal genres as well, but incorporates those influences into their thrash sound rather than toe the line between genres.

In the past, RG's albums have been a little messy and all over the place.  That rawness was part of their charm.  This was a band that really seemed like a bunch of oddball guys that got together and played some ferocious thrash metal.  On this release though, the band has really tightened up their sound.  Nothing has been lost as far as their ferocity is concerned, but the riffing is tight and packs a considerable punch.  The vocals sound great along with the music and the outside influences mesh well with the thrash riffing.

What results is a truly impressive album by a band that has been steadily improving with each new album.  This is their best album yet and is a very strong contender for the thrash metal album of the year.