The band name Cycle of Pain conjures up thoughts of deep depression and sadness. One might hear this name and expect nothing more than an onslaught of brooding melancholy metal. However, listeners will be initially confused, but pleased, with Cycle of Pain’s self-titled debut.
Years after initially forming Cycle of Pain, the members of the band have finally come together to release an album. Despite the best intentions, the individualized talents of each member actually resulted in a 15-year detour for the group. Cycle of Pain is John “J.D.” DeServio, Joe Taylor, Gregg Locascio and later Rick Monica. DeServio, also of Black Label fame, along with Locascio and Monica, have been playing music together for more than 20 years.
Cycle of Pain’s release is a creative mesh of musical styles and genres. It has successfully fused elements of heavy rock, funk, hip-hop and soul. The band opted to make its debut with a few well-known friends, including Brian Tichy (Billy Idol), Sen Dog (Cypress Hill), Russ-T Cobb, Hugo Ferreira (Tantric), Marcus Ratzenboeck (Tantric), Clip Payne (P-funk), Burton (Fear Factory) and Russell Allen (Symphony X).
DeServio’s voice is relaxed on this release, letting listeners really take in just what a good singing voice he has. Listeners will be able to tell that this band is very comfortable together and didn’t just fall into writing the album. Cycle of Pain has been a long time coming, and the band’s obvious precision and focus on this album was well worth the wait.
It is obvious that Cycle of Pain wanted to take a risk by brining in so many other counterparts. It seems to have paid off. One of the most notable performances is a rap by Sen Dog on the track “Do My Work High.” Tichy’s guitar work on “Reign Down” is nothing short of excellent. Although the onslaught of musicians gave the album a diverse sound, it definitely wasn’t necessary. Cycle of Pain is a good, solid hard-rock band. On their next release it should definitely consider going at it alone.
Rating: W W W
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