Ice Nine Kills, the talented metalcore band from Boston have released “Meat & Greet” as part of the deluxe edition of the 2021 album “Welcome to Horrorwood”. The band's name comes from the deadly substance in the renowned novel Cats Cradle and they like to infuse their metalcore style with captivating lyrics from beloved horror films in pop culture.

The band thrives on exploring the depths of the human mind. Their mix of metal and horror storytelling is gaining momentum shown by tours with industry goliaths Metallica and Slipknot. As well as their latest album hitting 178 million streams and reaching number 18 in the charts. The horror material is far from being a gimmick to sell albums, the band even hosts their horror convention “The Silver Scream Con”.

Strap yourself into your straight jacket and brace yourself for a musical journey back to the unforgettable moment you first laid eyes on the 1991 Oscar-winning movie Silence of the Lambs. Which features the remarkable Anthony Hopkins as cannibal serial killer Hannibal Lector. The music video for this song is an amazing reimagining of the film and had to be cut down by 19 minutes due to its graphic nature! Fear not though if you want to watch the whole thing you can get an access code by purchasing select merchandise from the band's website. So, if a spine-tingling experience is what you’re after that’s for you!

The song has an electrifying start with piano keys setting a rapid pace instantly hypnotizing the listener. Just when you think you have caught your breath from the film's unforgettable scene of Clarice meeting Hannibal for the first time is skillfully recapped, fully immersing you in the experience. What follows can only be described as an all-out assault on the senses. Clean and scream vocals (Spencer Charnas) pummel you with a sledgehammer before vicious drums (Patrick Galante) and face-melting guitars (Ricky Armellino/ Dan Sugarman) leave you out of breath. The catchy chorus features my favourite lyrics “The silence is circling, like lambs to a slaughter, this dance never ends”. Although it's slightly odd how it sounds exactly like Alanis Morrisette’s Uninvited (don’t believe me give it a listen and tell me I’m wrong). Just as you thought this song couldn’t get any better the bassist (Joe Occhiuti) comes into his own during the breakdown!

Speaking of the breakdown it features a hilarious easter egg in the form of the lyrics “Put the lotion in the basket” which is a look back at the character Buffalo Bill from the film.

Typically, I wouldn’t include as many lyrics in a review, but in this case, I just had to. The band's extraordinary storytelling needs to be showcased. Plus, I’m slightly concerned they might plot my demise if I don’t. Here is some of the incredible writing that demonstrates their talents, detailing the captivating exchange between the film's main characters where Lecter agrees to assist Clarice in capturing Bill.

“No, my darling Agent Starling
These are not just thrill kills
Let my mind help you find the fiend who fits the bill
(Or blood will spill)
Contrast his nasty habit with my refined pallet
(Then tell me who kills in poor taste)
Don't let a good meal go to waste”

Front man Spencer describes Meat & Greet as the climax of the Horrorwood saga, I for one cannot wait to see what they come up with next. They are a band that seems to be gaining some traction and for the most part, they are simply killing the competition.

9/10

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