The newest album from Rudimentary Peni, "The Under Class" follows up surprisingly quickly after their previous album, "Echoes of Anguish" in 1999. But whereas Echoes of Anguish was very hard and heavy, a barrage of distortion, The Underclass takes a plunge back into more frenetic and sublime musical tastes.

Still, in classic RP style, songs weigh in mostly just over one minute long Ð straight, short, and to the point, not full of traditional music verse chorus verse. In that sense, the songs have a poetic quality to them. The lyrics are bleak and strive to make a poignant point from subjects such as personal and political isolation, and death with a scathing and urgent musical offering. The guitar by Nick Blinko is basic and somber, but turns to intricate chords and patterns at all the critical moments. His vocals are throaty and hoarse, like the previous album, but with more of a "Death Church" vibe, which long time fans will definately appreciate! This has been one of the most anticipated releases for the year and its met up to and surpassed all expectations. "The Ocean of Misery" is the best songs of the past two years with its primal darkness and eerie lead.

-mark splatter

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