ELDOPA / 1332 - Skinless

Artist: Eldopa / 1332
Album: Skinless
Year: 1996
Genre: Hardcore Punk

Pure. Audio. Violence.  Eldopa, or 1332, whatever your preference is to call them (Thanks lawsuit! I'm gonna stick with Eldopa for the rest of this) were a godly hardcore punk band straight our of the thriving Bay Area scene of the 90s.  The pedigree of members of this band includes Econochrist, Grimple and Watch Them Die, so, there is zero surprise what you're going to get, right?  Well, that's possibly wrong.  I'll explain.

The first full length by this band is a favorite of mine.  It's an incredible mix of hardcore crust punk with some heavier, almost dreary elements ala Neurosis.  Recently, I played this 7".  I wore this thing out when it was first released, but, like a lot of 7"s these days, I don't take the time to put them on much.  When the title track kicked in, it was almost as if I was listening to it again for the first time.  If you see my review of Reign In Blood, this also recently happened with that album.  My ears were then pulverized for the next ten minutes and I came to a stark realization, "Wow, this really reminds me of the first Die Kreuzen album!"  I have no idea why this didn't hit me previously.  With that said, that is one of the highest compliments I can give any record.  The first Die Kreuzen record is one of the best albums of the 80s independent music scene as it's originality, aggression and overall genius was rarely matched or duplicated.  In four songs, Eldopa twist and turn in and out of slower, harrowing rhythms and furious speed.  Anger is the name of the game here and it drips from every second of the record. The vocals only intensify what is happening musically and screech in a way Dan Kubinski would be proud of hearing.  There is nothing fake about this.  These guys don't like you and want to scare the hell out of you.  After ten minutes, I'm beat up in the best way.  I'm not waiting so long between plays with this one again.

Listen to "Skinless" here.