9mm SOLUTION

9MM Solution is a band with a gimmick. I swear when I saw them all dressed up, I thought they were going start off with a Scatterbrain song, and unfortunately I had the song "Don't Call Me Dude" stuck in my head for weeks. They were angry, brutal and edging on hardcore sounds at times, but the thing that had me excited was seeing a 5-string bass. They played mostly songs off their 2006 release One Shot One Kill, however a few tunes came into the mix. I really enjoyed "Suicide Letter," an ALMOST ballad about "Killing off that part of yourself that you hate to become better." They were recently signed by Mortal Records, and I expect to see them far more as soon as they line up a new drummer to replace the soon-departing Ed.

There is a heaviness to this band, however a helluva lot of melody as well. A great way to get a feel for their differences is listen to "Visualize to Terrorize" and then go and listen to "Hate This Place." Two completely different sounds, yet the mesh well with each other. The actual coolest part of their set was in the middle a young man named Mark proposed to his lady love Christa. In the middle of a concert. In the middle of a strip club. How freaking cool is that! BTW She said yes!
- Cindy Steinle, Club Kingsnake.com

The second album from Milwaukee’s 9MM SOLUTION, "The Dream is Dead," is a diverse compilation of metalcore, groove metal, and Nu metal. As always, 9MM’s work demonstrates the band’s ability to cover the spectrum of the modern metal sound. The record comes out of the gate swinging with screaming vocals and pounding guitars on their self-titled track, while songs like “One in the Chamber” and “I Can Only Hurt” have a straight up metalcore sound. Interestingly enough, the band also demonstrates a real pop-influence in the melodies and vocals (some of which are almost emo-ish) on “Below,” “Hate This Place,” and “Suicide Letter.”

While the band brings an intriguing concept and a ton of talent to the table with its latest offering, "The Dream is Dead," may be best suited for fans who like different sounds and genres on the same album. At its heaviest, the record keeps up with the best metalcore and groove metal in the business, while at the same time layering in melodic elements that keep the album from falling apart at the seams. Some killer songs on the album would play perfectly alongside metal icons such as Lamb of God and Killswitch Engage, while others might work better with bands with a more alternative metal sound. 9MM SOLUTION may be the exception to the rule, perfecting a heavy sound balanced with melodic vocals.

In the end, you’ve got an ambitious bunch of guys that aren’t afraid to combine every facet of the metal genre into one uncompromising album.
Once again, 9MM SOLUTION has teamed up with SOiL bassist Tim King to produce their latest offering. Ulrich Wild (Pantera, Static-X, Deftones) and Chris Djuricic mixed and mastered the tracks on the record. The majority of the album was completed at Mercenary Studios with Scott Creekmore, and all but two songs were mastered at Belle City Studios.

9MM released its first full length album "One Shot... One Kill" in the summer of 2006 through King's Mortal Music. The record gained popularity through college and mainstream radio, and the band has played shows alongside Five Finger Death Punch and Hellyeah. 9MM SOLUTION is currently touring in support of the new album, including a number of upcoming shows with fellow Rock Ridge labelmates Psychostick.

9MM SOLUTION is: Dave Gregor (guitars, vocals), Chad Novell (bass, vocals), Joe Thillman (drums), and Hobbes Caltous (lead vocals). - CWG Album Reviews; John Rabb

Musicianship – 8 out of 10
From the first note of 9mm Solution’s EP The Trial, you realize that this band is not fooling about being a Metal Band! Heavy guitars (courtesy of Dave Gregor) and the growled vocals of Hobbes Caltous sound perfectly sinister over one of the better rhythm sections I’ve heard on a Metal album for awhile. Specifically, I think Ed Wallner is one of the best Metal drummers that I’ve had the pleasure to hear! He has more dexterity in his feet than a lot of drummers have with their hands, and that is no joke!

The other thing that impressed me about 9mm Solution was the fact that the vocals were understandable, even though they are screamed/growled most of the time. They still have the evil quality that hardcore death Metal has, but there is a more intelligent feel to it as well. Ordinarily, this particular flavor of Metal is not my favorite, but I did like the way that 9mm Solution sounded. Well done, guys!

Songwriting – 7.5 out of 10
Because Hardcore Metal is not the area where I feel most qualified to judge, I have to say that it’s difficult to objectively state an opinion with regard to songwriting; as a result, everything you hear from me on the subject is going to be pure opinion. I did like the songs on The Trial. I make this determination based mostly on the music, because I really like the guitar riffs, combined with the melodic injections that the vocals bring. This is not run-of-the-mill Hardcore Metal! As their MWB description says, they play ‘a lethal combination of crushing, heavy riffs and brutal vocals, intertwined with undeniable melody and sampled media’. Pretty cool stuff!

The thing that makes me like 9mm Solution’s music is the fact that the songs are unique and creative. The use of looped media and the unique vocal presentation make them a band that stands out from the crowd. The Trial is definitely a winning collection of songs!

Sound Quality/Professionalism - 7 out of 10
The drums sound absolutely incredible on The Trial. In fact, I really like the way that the rhythm section sounds overall. They create a solid foundational sound for the more melodic guitar and vocal parts. I also like the sound quality on the sampled media and vocals; the only area I see room for improvement with is the guitar sound. To me, the guitars end up sounding really muffled. I’m not an expert, so it could be that this was the sound they were going for, but from a layman’s perspective, I felt the guitar needed more presence. It was sort of buried, and because of that, the sound was not as impressive as it could have been.

Overall, the album sounds good. The Trial is a good effort on the band’s part, and on a low budget, they have done the job well!

Packaging - 7 out of 10
I have to award a solid 7 here, too; actually, that might be a bit high, because there’s not a whole lot of detail included. I checked their website, and the one thing that I usually like to see (namely, the lyrics for the songs) isn’t available online either, so I can’t really point the blame exclusively in the direction of the packaging. This is actually a pretty middle-of-the-road effort; better than a lot, and not as good as others. So, the rating is probably pretty accurate.

Favorite Tracks
Hate This Place
A Frustrated Cry For Calm
Belly Up

Overall Rating – 7.5 out of 10
I am a qualified Metal Fan; by that, I mean that I don’t jump feet first into every Metal project that I see, nor do I follow Metal Music exclusively. I like big guitars and loud drums. From Metal, I like to feel the music as much as I hear it, and I definitely like to feel the take-no-prisoners attitude from a good Metal band. With 9mm Solution, I am satisfied! I wish that the guitar was up front more, but I also like the creativity in the sound and the melodic twists that the band offers, so I won’t complain! In all actuality, I would listen to this album on a regular basis just to be reminded of the superb drumming of Ed Wallner!

9mm Solution is proof positive that Metal can be an intelligent genre. I would definitely recommend that you give their EP The Trial a listen! Fans of hybrid Metal bands like Korn will especially be excited about this offering, because it is another example of the modern presentation of Heavy music with all of the bone-jarring power that has kept Metal alive for nearly 25 years now! Check it out! You won’t be disappointed!—Mark Lush, Midwestbands.com, 10/26/04
- Midwest Bands.com

Musicianship – 9 out of 10
The music of 9mm Solution is among the best in the world of modern Heavy Metal music today, with a full spectrum of sound, heavy riffage, and interesting melodies! Hobbes Caltous provides vocals that are very reminiscent of the late Layne Staley (Alice in Chains), although his performance comes off much heavier. Laced with screams and an overall sinister sound, his voice defines the band’s sound. Don’t get me wrong, though! Guitarist Dave Gregor does his part in keeping the band’s sound brutally heavy. For that matter, so do the members of the band’s rhythm section, Ed Wallner (drums) and Jason Hellman (bass/media). Together, these guys are a band that administers lethal doses of Metal music! They sound incredible!

Songwriting – 9 out of 10
I really wish that I could have had access to a lyric sheet, so that I could look at the way the words of the songs were written in addition to hearing the musical content. I really like the take-no-prisoners sound that the band generates, and the stuff that I was able to hear lyrically sounded well written! Both sides of the songwriting seem to gel very well, so I feel like the guys have done their best to provide the best of both worlds, and to provide songs that say something musically and lyrically. I listened to the CD 3 times in a row, without stopping it, because I enjoyed the band’s stuff that much! Three songs is not enough from a great Metal band like 9mm Solution? Why are you holding out on us?

Sound Quality/Professionalism – 9 out of 10
The band’s new EP is a project that is put together well. The sound quality is incredible, with a great mix across the board! The bottom end is heavy without being muddy, and the guitars maintain their voice without getting all cruddy sounding, too. On top of the expertly mixed music, the vocals soar, with just the right amount of effect to make them sound both sinister and intelligent. In short, this is a well-produced, well-mixed, and well-recorded EP! It is a great display of the band’s talent!

Packaging – N/A
The copy that I received is a press copy of the CD; as such, there wasn’t any packaging, so I am passing on comments regarding the packaging.

Favorite Tracks
I Am Diseased
Never Change
Visualize to Terrorize

Overall Rating – 9 out of 10
I have written longer reviews in my time, so when I look at this one, I feel as if I’m short-changing the guys in 9mm Solution. However, I can’t seem to think of anything that says how I feel quite like ‘This band rocks, and their new EP is a kick-ass Metal album!’. So, let me state simply and for the record:
9mm Solution rocks, and their new EP kicks ass!

Those of you with a need for more Metal in your life need to get your copy of this CD as soon as you can. It is the type of record that will pleases fans of every sub-genre in the Metal world. It has melodic qualities for the fans of Hard Rock, Hair Metal and Speed Metal, with heavy-hitting guitar, hammering rhythm and heavy vocals for the Black Metal/Death Metal crowd. Likewise, it is a highly polished recording that will please fans of a more commercial sound, with just enough heaviness and the sick twists that underground fans need in their life! This is the Metal album that does not compromise in sound, and does not leave fans feeling as if they need to explain or defend the music. It’s simply a great Metal album that you should hear!

So, what are you waiting for?



—Mark Lush, Midwestbands.com, 8/16/05
- Midwest Bands.com

MKE
MKEonline
9mm SOLUTION
Heavy metal has been an important, if under appreciated, part of Milwaukee's music scene. With bands like 9mm SOLUTION currently carrying the torch, the future of metal in the city is secure. Straight out of hell and onto a stage near you, 9mm Solution unleashes an aural assault with all the subtlety of a demolition derby. Lead singer Hobbes Caltous describes the band's style as "balls-out aggressive metal. We've taken metal and made it our own - you will not find a single band that sounds like us."
That distinction owes much to Caltous' unique vocal approach. Listing '80s hair bands Motley Crue and Whitesnake among his influences vocally, Caltous has mastered the banshee scream. But in contrast to the unintelligible vocal sludge of typical of metal bands, he can flat-out sing. Driven by a wash of distortion and impressive rhythm section, 9mm Solution is fury personified. "We hit you senselessly for however long we play, and when it's all over, the one thing everyone's saying is, 'They're done?’?"
In its brief existence - the band was formed in 2003 - 9mm Solution has turned out two studio recordings, including an EP titled "The Trial" and landed a distribution deal with Statue Records in Los Angeles. In addition to success in the studio, 9mm Solution has played shows throughout the Midwest with metal heavyweights Lamb of God and Anthrax.
Brian Kalish
- MKE magizine

The Milwaukee Journel Sentinal
www.jsonline.com
We say they sound like
Ozzfest second-stage headliners - bludgeoningly authentic, mosh-ready metal for people who think Slipknot sold out and got lazy.
- Milwaukee Journal/ Sentinal

Adrenalin 'Zine
www.adrenalinfanzine.com
9MM SOLUTION- "The Trial"
Short Description-Hardcore Metal
Origin: Milwaukee, WI-USA
Darren's Review- This 6 song E.P. I was pumped and excited to hear. I knew a bit about them, and they are a local band! When I received the disc, expectations were already set. (I had checked out two tracks online) And they were met! 9mm Solution has performed with Anthrax, Society 1, Dope & Slaves on Dope to name a few. They also recorded with recording engineer Chris Djuricic (Soil, Order by Chaos) and the EP was Mastered by Trevor Sadler (Nine Inch Nails, Crash Test Dummies...).
The end result is a well put together E.P. The songs have a nice base full of metal feel, while experimental vocals breathe new life. I like the vocal stylings. There are low growls, high screams, and transcending, melodic layers placed throughout. When a band has enough balls to gamble, branch out and try something new, that says a lot to me. I wouldn't say they are experimental enough to discern the "metal fan", but enough to put there own unique stamp on the metal world. I would like to check them out live. I have read they take performing very seriously and really push to make the experience one of a kind. I wish the best of luck to them! Check out www.9mmsolution.com for all the details!

Track Highlights: Belly Up, Hate this Place, Immune

Production/Engineering: A-
Songwriting: B
Originality: B
Vocals: A-
Guitars: B
Bass: B-
Percussion: B-
Overall:B
- Adrenelin Fan Zine

EAST COAST ROMPER
http://www.eastcoastromper.com
9MM SOLUTION
www.9mmsolution.com
Review:
Not a whole lot to be said about two songs Milwaukee's 9MM Solution other than I'd like to hear more and hopefully it's in the vein of A Frustrated Cry For Calm which vocally brought to mind Heartwork or Swansong era Carcass. Musically these guys rip shit up with an aggressive style that should appeal to both Nu-Metal heads and Death Metal fans alike. The second track Hate This Place didn't impress me as much as the first but wasn't a bad tune at all. I went to their web site and downloaded a third track called Belly Up kicked ass and was in the vein of A Frustrated Cry For Calm.
Check it out, it's a free download. All in all, these guys rock and I'm very interested in hearing more. Hopefully, this promo lands them a deal.
Review by: Samuel Adams
- East Coast Romper