Artist: Gaza
Album: I Don't Care Where I Go When I Die
Label: Black Market Activities
Link: Gaza
Reviewer: Twitch

Band Members:
Jon Parkin: Vocals
Luke Sorenson: Guitar
Mike Mason: Guitar
Tino Lucero: Bass
Casey Hansen: Drums

Sounding like what 'Bless the Martyr and Kiss the Child' would have if Stephen O'Mally was twisting the knobs (well, minus a good bit of the breakdowns) or perhaps if Botch came from the swamps of Louisiana, 'I Don't Care Where I Go When I Die' is as dense and noncommercial as metalcore gets. Though they have a bit in common with the rest of the Blackmarket Activities roster (Animosity, Ed Gein, From a Second Story Window) - the heavier, more intelligent riffs, not-too-clean-but-just-right production, and vocals that have a tendency to dabble in the more death realm - Gaza stands quite far above their aforementioned - if not utterly mediocre - peers. Perhaps it is the more sludge oriented sound complimented by the scattered Kurt Ballou-esque progressive parts (see the end of "Hospital Fat Bags"), maybe it's the Hydra Head circa 2001 guitar sound? The idea of keeping the sounds a bit more on the midpaced side, not relying on all out speed every moment to keep things interesting? It could even be the fact that the vocals are strongly reminiscent of, ex-Norma Jean / current The Chariot frontman, Josh Scogin at his strongest. Whatever the reason, this is one of those records that should appeal to both the record buying masses as well as the jaded metalhead who would like something a tad different. At the very least, it beats the living hell out of recent releases by Job for a Cowboy, Ion Dissonace, and their ilk. A worthy listen.

Track Listing:

1. Calf
2. I Don't Care Where I Go When I Die
3. Hospital Fat Bags
4. Gristle
5. Sire
6. Slutmaker
7. Hell Crown
8. Moth
9. Cult
10. Pork Finder