Amidst the sea of *** that was 2011, it was easy to overlook the debut LP of deathrashers, Hot Graves. Fitting into a small niche of bands (Stormcrow, Acephalix, Dishammer, etc.) who lay a metal riffing blueprint over the solid backbone of the infamous d-beat, Hot Graves gives your ears a 41-minute workload of rasped, goat-worshipping intensity.
There is a cohesiveness found on this record that is impressive given the number of genres on display. Since their earlier demos, the band has played a blend of thrash, death, black metal, and crust while driving it at hardcore paces. Drummer Matt cleverly varies his patterns in and around the guitar work of Myk and Dusty without falling victim to the traditionally restrictive nature of the d-beat. Song composition, while unremarkable, is catchy and effective. Hooks like those found in the opening riffs of "Worship the Goat" and "Rotted" bring the metal face (like this dork: http://i45.tinypic.com/344dppe.jpg) and nod the head. Solos are used sparingly and do not disappoint, with extensive use of finger-tapping and the boon of adding to a song without overshadowing it.
With a sound reminiscent of proto-death rockers Poison and album art that makes me want to rip my own dick off I don't see any reason for you not to check this out. If you found 2011 to be lacking in bands that brought the metal, these guys will give you one less reason to kill yourself.
