STEMM -

STEMM - CROSS ROADS - CATCH 22  
The band’s organic sound and heavy riffing had just started to win this critic over. Unfortunately, for the band, then one notices the band’s involvement with Mixed Martial Arts and it is over. No amount of Pantera-inspired heavy growling and screaming, loud guitars, mosh riffs and slam beats will overcome one’s aversion for the white trash stupidity. That is too bad, the guitars can get loud and elaborate, and the band has a good sound to go with its music. Think of the band as a mixture of Pantera and Monster Magnet. Then add a little bit of Machine Head and grunge. The better tracks are at the album’s end. Supernaut has a good solo and without a gap rolls into Pulling Teeth and its strong drumming. Incidentally, Dan Nelligan is probably the band’s best musician. He has a good feel and a good sound on his kit. The album even has a semi-slow song called After The Tide. Those seeking attitude and grit, but not necessarily pure metal, should check out Stemm. The band’s mind-set though is a turn-off. - Anna Tergel