RE:Ignition is an odd band: composed of former members of Skinlab, one would expect a similar sound, but instead one is presented a sound that’s one part nu-metal and one part Soundgarden. This is not to say that RE:Ignition isn’t good, but rather that if one was to buy Empty Heart Loaded Gun expecting, well, Skinlab, one would be sufficiently disappointed. That said, Empty Heart Loaded Gun is actually a reasonably good CD for what it attempts to do.
Empty Heart Loaded Gun is, at heart, nu-metal in a lot of respects, though it does enough outside of that convention to make it interesting. Vocalist Dave Moore has a distinct sound to his voice that is largely pleasing, and likens itself to a not-quite Chris Cornell sound. The rest of the band shows solid talent in their work, or in other words, it’s not downchord and double-bass mania. Songs like “Short Memory†and “Left Behind†are well structured and sound quite good, and reminiscent of the aforementioned Soundgarden (albeit with a more modern tone).
Honestly, whole CD is largely solid, and nothing on Empty Heart Loaded Gun is bad enough to make you want to skip it. It never quite clicks either, though. While there are a few stand-out tracks, by and large the CD is simply there. You don’t take anything away from it beyond the impression that it was enjoyable. That’s not entirely a horrible thing, but honestly, there’s nothing here that impresses. There’s a lot of talent and good sounds that just never really get to a point where they’re really interesting.
That said, Empty Heart Loaded Gun is solid and enjoyable enough that I can safely recommend it. It’s a good start, all things considered, and in another album or two I’d imagine RE:Ignition really getting to a point where they’re comfortable enough to do something really great. Until then, Empty Heart Loaded Gun is a solid first effort that doesn’t offend, and if you’re looking for something in the Soundgarden vein, you’ll probably get a thrill from this.
Website: RE:Ignition
