STUCK MOJO — HVY1 (review)

Live album · 1999 · Rap Metal

4/5 · 2018-02-27
martindavey87

I'm not usually one for listening to live albums. Sure, if I like a band, I'll certainly go out and buy everything they release (damn collector OCD), but for the most part, I prefer the crisp and clear sound of a studio recording. However, with that said, Stuck Mojo were, and always will be, a live tour de force, and any live offering from these rap metal pioneers will certainly be worth the purchase.

Performing music that is tailor-made for mosh pits, Stuck Mojo were always about energetic performances that leave all their contemporaries in the dust, and it's clearly evident that the crowds featured on this album, from recordings in Atlanta, Georgia and Barcelona in Spain, are at an absolute fever-pitch throughout.

What makes the Mojo so incredible live is the boundless passion, showmanship and banter between each member. While the songs are mostly performed as they sound on their respective studio recordings, it's the stuff that takes place between the songs that make this such a joy to listen to. In particular, vocalist Bonz and guitarist Rich Ward confidently and charismatically engage the fans in such a way, that's it just as much fun to hear them talk as it is to hear them play.

'HVY1' consists of pretty much every Mojo classic from what could be considered "chapter one" of their career. 'Rising', 'Enemy Territory', '2 Minutes of Death', 'Southern Pride', 'Mental Meltdown', 'Not Promised Tomorrow' and 'Throw the Switch'... they're all here! The inclusion of two new songs, 'Reborn' and 'My Will', serves as icing on the cake, and a hidden track which is mostly five minutes of the band rambling on stage and interacting with the audience is an absolute joy to listen to.

As I've said before, I've never really been the biggest advocate of live albums, but I truly cannot praise this release enough! Not only are the songs performed immaculately, but it's the chemistry between the band members and the audience that make this essential listening for anyone looking to be a true performer.

more than 2 years ago
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martindavey87 wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Awesome! Their next studio album 'Declaration of a Headhunter' is an absolute treat, if you like what you've heard so far!

Unitron wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Great to hear about the production, I'll definitely have to check this out then! I was just asking because live albums can be hit and miss for me as Vim said. Speaking of Pigwalk, I love the production on that album. Like your review says, you can really hear Devin Townsend's sound on that record.

Vim Fuego wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Live albums can be a bit hit and miss as far as quality goes. A lot of it depends on how it was recorded. Personally, I love them, especially when there are mistakes left in. Sometimes though, they are a complete rip off, because the sound quality is shit, or the band has cheated and overdubbed and corrected stuff in the studio. And live bootlegs are mostly best avoided.

martindavey87 wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Awesome to know you're digging the band. Does this have anything to do with my Pigwalk review? The production on this is awesome! I mean, I'm not a massive technical guy when it comes to live sound, but everything's perfectly clear and audible. Personally I still go for studio albums, but this record just has so much energy. Definitely worth a listen. \m/ \m/

Unitron wrote:

more than 2 years ago

I've been absolutely loving Stuck Mojo lately, so live versions of their best albums sound great. How's the production on this?