Album Review: Superheist – Sidewinder

Like life, rock music is full of 'what ifs' and 'maybes', and Superheist are one such hypothetical. The Aussie nu-metal kingpins once seemed on the verge of major success, but their career ultimately fizzled.

With all things old being nu again, the past few years have seemed as valid a time as any for a return. After introducing energetic new vocalist Ezekiel Ox on 2016's Ghosts Of The Social Dead, the Melbourne outfit, led by mainstay guitarist DW Norton have recruited drummer John Sankey (Devil You Know, Devolved) to bolster their musical attack. His contributions are particularly punchy during the fast, aggressive passages of the George Pell-condemning God Knows.

Sidewinder is billed as “more metal, more anthemic, more hip hop and more electro than [the band has] ever been”. At times it so bears the tropes of a certain bygone era it ought to be accompanied by its own wallet chain. And as these songs reinforce, some of those elements haven't aged particularly well. However, opener The Riot, packed with nu-metal groove, rapping and rallying cries, will elicit a certain familiarity, nostalgia even, for some. Ditto Breathe, which fuses hip hop, melodic hooks and down-tuned riffage. At times Superheist tip the scales too far into radio-rock territory (Overlord) at the expense of the simple bass-groove thrills and fat-mosh riffs diehards will crave. However, moody And So We Burn, featuring guest vocals from Sydonia's Dana Roskvist gels.

Sidewinder is akin to a scenario where metalcore, deathcore, new thrash, djent and assorted other heavy music trends never happened. Despite its shortcomings, there will be punters eager to embrace such a sentiment.