Venomin James
"Left Hand Man"
(Kultland Recordings)

Early in Venomin James' debut effort, "Left Hand Man," the Northeast Ohio metal band seemingly falls into a local metal trap of combining Black Sabbath cliches with ominous lyrics. Whereas the pointed sentiment behind "Abu Ghraib" is appreciated, the grinding, stoner rock riffs grow tiresome. However, the eight-track effort isn't without merit, as "Iron Horse," "Undertow" and "El Brujo" end the disc on a high note with an updated Alice In Chains sound. While other post-grunge acts have aped the Seattle band's heavy riffage, Venomin James adds something different to the conversation with elaborate songwriting and clashing guitars. Sure, the new quintet looks backward more than forward, but you have to feel as though "Left Hand Man" is the right kind of start.

Grade: B-

Comment: Not bad, but maybe written from the point of view of someone who doesn't really dig Sabbath the way we and our fans do. I mean, what could possibly be wrong with the comparison to the greatest metal/doom band ever to exist?