PREY FOR SLEEP
A BITTER BEGINNING
In a word, the debut from Austin’s broiler maniacs Prey For Sleep is… punishing. They
pound through ten blistering tracks in just over 25 minutes… and it seems like only moments from the opener “Escape” to the final notes of “The Frailty of Words.”

A Bitter Beginning reminds me of Pantera on steroids. Dave Swanson’s double-kick-drum skills are showcased as is the growling screams (which are amazingably understandable) of vocalist Hunter Townsend. Matthew Carey shows monstrous chops on guitar and Jason Powell lays the bass line down.

“Death to Reason is a standout track. Perhaps it’s about politics… perhaps not. “How long did you think that we’d keep living with our eyes closed? How naïve you must have been to think there’d be no consequence for every lie you ever spoke, for each life you took. Without thinking you created hatred that will see to your demise.”

Other standouts include the great guitar work of the title track, and the “he’s gotta have three legs” kick-drum of “Eliminate All Rational Thought.” Of course… there’s not a disappointment on the record. The artwork (by Rich Knepperath of Fireside Creative) is damned impressive as well.

I had the pleasure of seeing these guys about a year ago at a battle of the bands at Red Eyed Fly and they impressed the hell out of me then (I recall they were the first “all 10” band that night… and the last band to play). They are also some pretty stand-up young men who are as cool in person as they are brutal on stage.

As for A Bitter Beginning…I dare you to play this thing on MoPac during rush hour and NOT get a speeding ticket (I survived this dare… barely).