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BODY COUNT
Manslaughter
Sumerian Records

Too far, too long between records, BODY COUNT is back on the block with its new release, Manslaughter. Following Murder 4 Hire (2006), the new BC offering, like its predecessors, mixes elements of hardcore, punk, rap-rock, and thrash. Manslaughter’s topics are starkly relevant to the times. Once again, Ice-T’s lyrics earned the Parental Advisory Label on the album cover. Hands down. And once again, scores of people will be offended by what Ice-T has to say. Since Murder 4 Hire, two members have joined the band; rhythm guitarist Juan of the Dead and drummer Ill Will. “Back to Rehab” kicks it off, proving that BODY COUNT hasn’t gone soft or become complacent. On the doomy, “Enter the Dark Side” , Vincent Price’s chugging bass lines set the tone as Ernie C’s inimitable guitar screams with passion. The slow-tempo “I Will Always Love You” is a high salute to veterans who have fought in the U.S. military. Jamey Jasta (HATEBREED, ICEPICK, KINGDOM OF SORROW) adds his vocal rage, accompanying Ice-T on “Pop Bubble” . Probably the most profound message on the album lies in the SLAYER-esque title track, where manslaughter means the deterioration (or de-balling) of man’s character. “Institutionalized 2014” is a humorously re-worded cover of the SUICIDAL TENDENCIES classic, taking stabs at political correctness. “Wanna be a Gangsta” is a heavy missive from the Original Gangster himself, telling youngsters to avoid the gang life. “99 Problems BC” is a revisit to the 1993 ICE-T hit (“99 Problems” ), written long before Jay-Z covered it.

Though it doesn’t stand up to its 1992 self-titled debut, Manslaughter is still a good record. Plus, for the price of 13 bucks you’ll get to hear Ice-T say, “Eat a dick. BODY COUNT, motherfucker.” Take that, Tipper Gore.

4.0 Out Of 5.0

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