Chriz Doe - Cookie Doe

(source:Chriz Doe - Cookie Doe review)

A cursory glance at the cover which housesChriz Doe’s new album might give the impression that this German modern metal crew are a novelty act. However, while it’s true that this bunch don’t take themselves too seriously and like a laugh, they are certainly no joke. They deliver an album inCookie Doethat’s been timed to perfection and serves up eleven, hard-hitting tracks that deliver hefty blow after hefty blow, for a selection of songs that could floor even the hardiest metalhead.

In a foreshadow of things to come, opening track ‘No Pain No Gain’ doesn’t deal in elongated introductions or rambling preambles: there’s just a cry of “Feel my pain” from vocalist Chriz and he’s quickly followed by the rest of the band who lock in tightly to deliver a brand of modern metalcore that swings with wrecking ball force, it’s an unstoppable track that could demolish any obstacle in its path. ’No Pain No Gain’ is the musical equivalent of a bullet appearing between your eyes and then entering your cranium; you feel it before you see it and is all the more powerful for its sudden arrival.Cookie Doehas been furnished with a full production (courtesy of Hilton Theissen at Wide Noise Studio, I believe) and it takes every opportunity to flex its (considerable) muscles like a heavyweight boxer who is spoiling for a fight. It’s a similar kind of production that Bob Rock gave toMetallicawhich means thatCookie Doepacks a similar kind of potent punch. This is metal that’s existed solely on a diet of protein bars and steroids, living in the gym and pumping iron, and as such ‘No Pain No Gain’ (as with the whole album) is ripped, gnarly and ready for action.

Musically, Chriz Doe forsakes solos and noodling (though not exclusively; there’s still some fine soloing, such as on ‘Welcome To The Doez’) in favor of a riff-heavy attack which only adds to their power and gives the band a steamroller effect. Heavy this quartet might be, yet there’s also a life-affirming quality to the band’s modus operandi and tracks such as ‘Join The Party’ radiate bright rays of effervescence. Just like Anthrax could be a bit goofy without it hindering them when they wanted to get a serious point across, so too Chriz Doe who write songs about personal struggles (‘Dark’) and wrap them up in buoyant beats and sublime melodies. Subsequently, these songs are sure to transfer well to the live environment and you can almost see the pits erupting when the riff of ‘The Deep’ drops.

In an age characterized by division and fragmentation, Chriz Doe offers an alternative, more positive reality; their cookie is big enough for the whole world to take a bite. You heard them: “Join The Party”!!