Hard Times Hanging at the End of the World

Personnel: Tim Barber (vocals); Adam Bennati (drums).
Audio Mixer: Joe Blaney.
Recording information: Applehead Studio, Woodstock, NY; Joe's Studio, Greenwich Village, New York, NY.
Formed by ex-members of metal revivalists S.T.R.E.E.T.S. and Early Man, Children are convincing as a serious throwback to late-'70s/early-'80s twin-guitar-fueled speed metal. There are particularly abundant traces of the hyperactive thrashing blueprint that Metallica perfected on KILL `EM ALL. And given that band's return to primordial form, Children's own transformation of the genre seeps with enhanced vitality. "Nuclear Bummer," despite its slacker title, is the most assertive headbanger, keeping the tempo furious and the vocals incensed. But HARD TIMES is something for metal fans to relish from start to finish, especially if they have a weakness for razor-edged lead melodies.