Scatter The Ashes 'Devout/The Modern Hymn' reviewed.

Rating: 3 1/2 Stars

Scatter the Ashes' Epitaph debut is a slap in the face for kids who think they know what they like.

Caught in waves of power-pop and metal-core, today's rock audience has forgotten its roots. Not the Zeppelin/Sabbath roots that inspired our parents' generation, but the 1980s to mid-'90s roots that were our elementary and middle school tastes.

With "Devout/The Modern Hymn," STA has potential to remind us 20-somethings why we decided to like music in the first place.

That's because on the disc, Daryl Stamps' vocals range in style from that of Boy George to Jane's Addiction's Perry Farrell and George Michael to Mike Patton of Faith No More, Mr. Bungle and/or Fantômas acclaim.

The fashion is long-since heard - making it seem almost entirely fresh. But it's more post-modern than new.

STA's overall sound is an amalgam of all things rock. They weave in and out of genres from post-grunge to pop to punk and don't forget that not-so-tough 1980s version of metal.

If you're not brave enough to buy this CD without hearing something from it, STA's "City in the Sea" is featured on Epitaph's "Punk-O-Rama Vol. 9."

RIYL: Shudder to Think, Cave In, Vaux

By Jennifer R. Vertullo
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