Drill 187 is an innovative and aggressive new metal band that hails from the Carolinas. When I first listened to their self-titled 5 song E.P. my eyes were opened to the energy and sheer potential of this great young band. As songwriters, the guys in Drill 187 have a clear sense of song structure and melody. As a live band, they'll totally kick your ass! And all that comes through on their E.P. as it is catchy and hook-filled, but it's also aggressive, live-sounding and heavy.

Don't expect a shredfest though, as guitarist Jason Ussery would rather catch your attention with riffs and hooks than blow you away with fast leads, an approach that is mostly an enhancement to the songs. But with this band, it's all about the songs, the riffs, and the hooks. The lyrics aren't bad either, thus completing what is a very cool musical package.

Few "new" bands manage to impress me in this day and age, but Drill 187 definitely did that and more. I think this thought sums it all up: "If Black Sabbath, Metallica and Alice In Chains had a bastard son, Drill 187 would be his name." - Now go and check 'em out!

Shred Pick - "Nine" (4:30)

Reviewed by Henry Bocanegra