Review: Radiation 4 - Wonderland

artist: radiation 4 album: wonderland label: abacus recordings released: 2003 by: rob tatum When a band sets out to “break the molds” or “set new standards” they typically fall short of their goal. When Radiation 4 formed, they wanted to take hardcore and metal and get away from convention. After giving Wonderland a listen, I can say that they definitely got away from convention, but I can’t really say that they have set new standards. Radiation 4 combines fast beats with occasional melodies into a chaotic barrage comparable to Botch, older Cave In, or Dillenger Escape Plan. The screaming takes a little getting used to because it is higher pitched than most hardcore and metal singers. The singing parts are a little out of the ordinary and the backing vocals are more along the lines of old school hardcore, and at times resemble Slayer styled growls. The guitar work definitely stands out. There are some creative overlays and melodies, even in the faster parts of the songs. The drumming is solid, but there are a lot of fast parts that don’t allow for much creativity. One aspect of the album that stands out to me is the use of electronically generated sounds. I don’t think I have ever said this, but they fit the music well. At first I wasn’t really sure what to make of them, but they add more to the music than they take away. The effects help shape the melodies into much more elaborate parts of the songs. Ordinarily I don’t really get into the fast paced, metal-orientated hardcore, but Radiation 4 does more than get away from convention. They manage to set themselves apart. Like I mentioned before, I wouldn’t call it setting new standards, but they do “break the mold” and have created something that is really an enjoyable listen. favorite song: "the prize" rating: 83%/100% listen to radiation 4