One of California's most promising metal bands is back with its second album. Wasting no time in staking its musical claim, Oil rips into "Divided," with muscular vocals riding comfortably above chopping riffs and double bass drumming. With "Waiting There," the riffs and groove only get bigger and heavier. All ten songs serve as body punches from the band to audience. They just don't slow down.
It's great to see a band hold true to its metallic leanings while at the same time creating something that fits so perfectly into today's extreme metal / post hardcore scene. This is metal, baby, but gone are the overused trappings of predictable solos and unnecessary vocal wailing. The music of Oil will see people with Metallica and Zao shirts bumping into each other in the pit during galloping riffs like that found in "Scream."
Lyrically, the band is a fresh reminder of what it's like to be saved from your sin. Former Dark Angel vocalist, Ron Rinehart, was invited to a Harvest Crusade that he attended while high. He soon found himself sober and weeping before the Lord, and later joining Oil. Guitarist and founder Blake Nelson also finds himself freshly pulled from the fire. This perspective gives the band an enthusiasm to reach the lost that is enviable. Lines like, "He's waiting there" and "the Word was love" remind the listener of the certainty and promise of God's words without resorting to cliches. While some of these guys might be new believers, they're certainly not novice songwriters.
At times it feels like the band is only a step away from being predictable with its music, but the energy, biting sonics, and plain aggression keep this from happening. This oil ain't slick, but it is dripping with power.
Other coverage for this album
Art for the Ears 2000Reviewed by Marco PovervestThis is the new CD of the band that features Ron Rinehart, formerly of speedmetal monsters Dark Angel. Refine contains ten uncompromising heavy thrash tunes. Don't expect fast stuff as Oil focuses on heavy plodding riffs and the characteristic roughness in the voice of Ron. He sounds raw, almost snarling, and yet some of his screams are quite high. The songs feature guitar-solos while the band…The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Scotty TeemsThe impact of adult conversion experiences can be profound. Energy and zeal embody impassioned and immediate lifestyle changes. That kind of newfound glory--berthed from former Dark Angel frontman Ron Rinehart's recent salvation--is felt throughout Refine, the debut from southern California's Oil. Power metal in the most classic of ways, Refine is fast and furious, ripping through ten tracks of…Dead Zine 2000Reviewed by D_ListerLook out for that left field label Kalubone Records, because they are about to smack the crap out of you with a release heavy enough to break your back. The band is Oil, the album is Refine, and the metal is just what you wanted to hear! This is Oil's second release, a follow up to their self titled album, which you may have caught a glimpse of from the 2000: The Second Coming Comp. CD where they…Similar sounding releases
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