Powertrip

Powertrip was the final effort from Ludichrist before the group changed their name and their speed metal ways. The resulting Scatterbrain deservedly garnered more attention and better record sales, but there are some nice moments on Powertrip that foreshadow the jazz/soul/pop-influenced Scatterbrain without muddling the final hardcore strains of this swan song. Standouts include "The Tip of My Mind," "The Well-Dressed Man Disguise," and "Damage Done," which shifts through some incredibly fast bridge sections, cool hardcore hollering courtesy of namesake Tommy Christ, and the angular guitar work of Glen Cummings and Paul Nieder. With their unison riffing and harmony wails, these two deserve special notice for managing a creative take on a tiring genre. Bassist Mike Walters and drummer Dave Miranda also should be credited just for being able to keep up with the guitar duo's compositions that endlessly bob and weave. A small musical advance beyond Immaculate Deception, Powertrip is Ludichrist's best recording.