Samchung/Captain Bootbois - Split

July 17, 2008

Reviewer: Jesse

As with most S. Korean bands, Samchung is virtually unknown to the metal communities of the western world.  Not only is Korean metal less than an afterthought, even less attention seems to be given to the hardcore and punk scene which is just as alive and full of talent and at the forefront of this fringe style are the decade-long veterans, Samchung. 

One of my attractions to the metal and heavy music that comes from that small peninsula is that so many of the bands are so difficult to pigeonhole to one specific genre.  So many Korean metal bands seem to mix multiple genres in a way that sounds extremely fresh and interesting and Samchung is probably the best example of that.  Rooted in hardcore, Samchung branch off their influences in so many directions that their ceiling is literally limitless.  One minute they’re extremely aggressive in a death metal sense, and then they thrash about with wildness only to follow it up with a classic heavy metal style with lush leads and ridiculously catchy melody.  The vocal choices range all across the board from gruff screams to growls to hardcore barks and always the complimentary choral segments where everyone yells in unison. But the one aspect that Samchung keeps close to their hip is that they are a certifiable riff machine that will leave lasting impressions on you for days.  You’ll be humming the opening riff to “Song for Pulling out the Sword” immediately afterward, I guarantee it.

This split with fellow brothers in punkish hardcore, Captain Bootbois, is about as rebellious, revolutionary (in a revolt sort of way, not revolutionizing music), brutish and anthemic as anything I’ve ever heard that would be sure to have the entire crowd raising their fists into the air ready to march out and stamp out oppression and whatnot. I mean, with song titles like “Brave Kind of Man,” “Song for Challenge,” “Fight for your Life,” and “Road of the Glory,” you have to imagine that the lyrics are chock full of angsty motivation.  The songs shared between both bands are clearly trying to set a mood of finding inner power, unity and kicking some fools’ asses. 

The songs, Samchung’s specifically, are so incredibly catchy and well written that you’ll want to sing along immediately, that is if you speak Korean.  Just go ahead to do it anyway… no one’s watching.  But seriously, like I said earlier, Samchung is such a beastly riff-factory that I sit in awe listening to the guitarists just go at it, lick after lick.  As I already mentioned, “Song for Pulling out the Sword” is a total modern classic with the riffs to prove it.  “Song for Challenge” is the other clear highlight of the album with its classic hard rock style and upbeat tempo.  After every verse, a truly great lead cuts in to just take you away.  It’s a testament to how talented and eager they are to just play what they think they are good at, which is just about anything.

The only Captain Bootbois song from this split that I really enjoy is their opener, “Faith Like the Rock” which is the least punk of their contribution, which is probably why I like it so much.  It opens with a nice violin intro in which the lead guitar riff will imitate the rest of the way through.  I seriously love the marching beat and lead they break into about half way through the song.  As most people who know me will attest to, I love it when a good, serious marching beat can be incorporated into a song.

Their other songs are certainly good, but as I’m not a huge punk fan, the Samchung songs kind of over shadow their songs and honestly, I doubt I would ever have listened to them if not for this split, let alone review it.

Bottom line: Samchung needs to be recognized.  When I heard them for the first time with their last full length, Way of Men, I was completely blown away mostly by how much I was in love with the album.  Even if you generally have nothing to do with hardcore or crossover bands, I dare anyone to listen to this split or Way of Men and not just completely love it.  Samchung really are that  talented and that much fun.

Release Date: August 3rd, 2007
Label: GMC Records/Dope Ent

TRACK LISTING

Brave Mind of Man 
  (Samchung)
Faith Like the Rock
  (Captain Bootbois)
Song For Pulling Out the Sword
(Samchung)
Fight For Your Life
  (Captain Bootbois)
Song for Challenge
   (Samchung)
Road of the Glory
(Captain Bootbois)
Sun Always Shines in Front of Us
  (Samchung x Captain Bootbois)

Samchung

Captain Bootbois

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