This cover was inevitable, and I’m surprised it hadn’t happened before now, twenty years after we first heard it. I know Nu Metal is a dirty word in some circles, but there is no other way to describe Like A Storm’s version of Coolio's Gangster’s Paradise. It’s hard to do justice to a song that saw a lot of us through ’95, as countless bands have proven with terrible covers before, but Like A Storm has pulled of this cross-genre tribute, and it's amazing.

Now, I’ve been criticised in the past for comparing local bands to big name American bands – that is basis of my musical knowledge after all, and a good way to describe the vibe of a band no one’s heard. But no one that’s heard Like A Storm’s new album could be critical of my comparison of the music to Stone Sour, Mudvayne, Disturbed and Linkin Park. Perhaps it’s a product of expatriation, but Like A Storm’s Awaken The Fire is the most Americanised sound I’ve heard from a Kiwi band of late. Take away the hype machine of publicity and the years of experience the big name bands have behind them, and Like A Storm’s Awaken The Fire holds up against these great bands you at one time have called your heroes.

But unlike many bands that seek to emulate their influences, Like A Storm have done the work to carve their niche and own their sound. For example, Mudvayne never had a didgeridoo solo in one of their singles. Listen out for it. You can’t miss it. The first time I heard it I figured it was just a synth, because Metal and Didgeridoo aren’t exactly mutually inclusive ideas in my mind. Well, they weren’t… It really works. There’s always a risk of being that didgeridoo band by throwing it in every song, but the sound fits so well that it needs to be pulled out more in the future.

A mix of the heavy, and the obligatory slow burners, make this a well structured, expertly written and produced album that’s perfect for those that appreciate good music but still hold a grudge against New Zealand Music.

You can find Like A Storm’s Awaken The Fire pretty much anywhere you can find music, and I highly suggest those of the Rock/Metal persuasion don’t hesitate to do so, if only to hear the band pull off the Gangster’s Paradise cover.

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