In today’s extreme music world, there is quite a variety of bands that focus their image and even their lyrics around a gimmick. Sure, this may sound kind of a cheap tactic, but especially in the heavy metal world, gimmicks can actually make a band stand out. For instance, we have GWAR, Earth’s favorite Scumdogs. Another great example is Ghost (I refuse to use that “B.C” bull crap) who consist of masked druids with a lead vocalist who is meant to be a Satanic Cardinal of sorts as they lead the audience in a ritual. However, not all gimmicks are great and actually do appear to be a cheap tactic. Specifically, the use of women and sexuality (in a serious matter) just makes me roll my eyes. This is where Butcher Babies have fallen into my lap. No, not literally. This dual-female fronted metal band has apparently taken the average neck beard metal head demographic by storm. But hey I get it, let’s have two “chicks” sit on stage in skimpy clothing with giant breasts bouncing around to get a male dominated fanbase’s attention. Ok so maybe I am being a little harsh on this gimmicky band, and hey maybe I am! They released a five song EP consisting of covers, entitled Uncovered (Century Media). To name a few, there are covers from ZZ Top, Suicidal Tendencies, and S.O.D. which at first glance, I am interested.

Unfortunately for Butcher Babies, the only thing they really do with these five covers, is, well, butcher them. First and foremost, I do want to give a positive note that at least the cover was not of ‘La Grange’ or ‘Sharp Dressed Man.’ Instead, they went for a song which certainly fits their style, which I can respect, in ‘Beer Drinkers & Hellraisers.’ The instrumentals were truly made into their own and they did make it work. Vocally, though, this song is just simply dreadful. If this is what these two women sound like on every song, then I have already checked out. The second cover is ‘They’re Coming to Take Me Away’ by Napoleon XIV, which is an interesting choice because I am not sure if the vocals are directed at the vocalists themselves or anyone crazy enough to listen to this album. The next cover is ‘Don’t Give a Fuck’ by Suicidal Tendencies which may be the perfect song for this corny band. Only three songs into this and I understand it now. Boobs, beers, swears, this band is for prepubescent males to listen to/watch on YouTube as they hit their rebellion stage. The fourth track is actually the most surprising to me which is ‘Crazy Horse’ by The Osmond’s. Yes you read that right, The Osmond’s! Maybe this is the track that turned this whole band around for me! Oh who’s leg am I trying to pull? Lastly, we have the biggest bastardization of a cover I have heard since Madonna’s version of Don McLean’s ‘American Pie.’ This commercialized sex appeal band has taken ‘Pussy Whipped’ by the legendary supergroup, Stormtroopers of Death, and turned it around from a joke between buddies to a girl power anthem. Now I am not a sexist, chauvinistic pig, but did they really need to stoop down to this? I mean, we all get it. Two female vocalists who like to guzzle beer, shake their bodies around, play some heavy music, and attempt to be overall bad girls. This is just too much for me to handle and this just has to be a joke.

Sure they clearly have the fanbase, they have played Rockstar Mayhem Festival, and they have three releases under their belts (no pun intended), but I just cannot buy into this filth.

3.0/10

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TIM LEDIN