FREAK KITCHEN - Cooking With Pagans
September 19, 2014, 10 years ago
(The Lasers Edge)
Swedish experimental metal trio, Freak Kitchen, doesn’t follow any traditional metal rules on its eighth full-length release, Cooking With Pagans. The 12 eclectic tracks combine the flair of David Lee Roth-led Van Halen, the guitar virtuosity of Steve Vai and the progressive elements of fellow countrymen, Pain Of Salvation. Musically-diverse, the band add elements of prog rock, AOR, ’80s rock and ’90s alt/grunge-pop to its musical menu. Vocalist/guitarist Mattias IA Eklundh’s raspy and friendly vocals are complimented by the exuberant yet not overplayed dynamics of the rhythm section, which consists of bassist/vocalist Christer Ortefors and drummer Bjorn Fryklund. With their humorous song titles and lyrics, Freak Kitchen has the Steel Panther shtick down well. Tracks “(Saving Up For An) Anal Bleach,” “I Don’t Want To Golf,” “Hide” and “Sloppy” are on the ridiculously-cheesy and cliche side of the fence, yet they contain a certain amount of charm. The quirky cover version of the 1936 Benny Goodman hit ,“Goody Goody,” is also surprisingly catchy. Although Cooking With Pagans is instantly catchy, Freak Kitchen may not be for every metal fan.
