OK, what do you expect with a band name like THE SHITHEADZ? Most probably nothing good, as did I, but like so often it is different than you expect. Founded already in 1992 as Hardcore Metal band, through several line-up changes they evolved into a Rock/Metal bastard and after a generous 12 years the Germans finally celebrate their debut in 2004 with “Dirty Pounding Gasoline” via Locomotive Music. Not really something to call a hasty effort, could we?

From the opener “Powertool“ on the gentlemen from Mönchengladbach offer us dirty Rock with a lot of groove, which reminds me a bit of bands like C.O.C. (aka CORROSION OF CONFORMITY) and BLACK LABEL SOCIETY and also show influences by bands such as KYUSS or MONSTER MAGNET. So not exactly the most original thing we get here, but let’s give this album a fair chance, ok?

The whole thing is pretty earthy and, as already said, pretty groovy, but never neglecting catchy melodies. Especially the voice of singer Christoph Birx really fits, he has the right grit, but with a more or less strong melodicness underneath, which gives a track like “Return Of The Demons“ the final touch.

When you listen to the songs of “Dirty Pounding Gasoline“, then you almost automatically see pictures of a lonely road through the vastness of the American prairie, sitting in a road cruiser and shamelessly exceeding the speed limit, while the dust of the plains moves behind your car. So you should be careful when putting THE SHITHEADZ into your car stereo for your next trip, because the next radar trap is already waiting…

The title track rocks a lot, just like “The Seven”, while “A New War” features a pretty irresistible melody and the semi ballad (!) “Burning” is completely different than the rest of the album and might be hard to digest for some fans of dirty Rock.

The whole thing is well produced, there also is a lot of power, so when you feel attracted to the given comparisons and need acoustical fodder for the next speeding ticket, then THE SHITHEADZ are something for you! (Online May 26, 2004)