Where would humanity be right now without a constant production of great, forward-thinking ideas from its finest entrepreneurs? Well, society likely wouldn't progress past the stone age with any notable speed, but thankfully the culmination of excellent ideas has brought us to where we are today, and there's constant debate over what the best ideas and inventions of mankind have been. Some say it was the lightbulb, others may claim it to be the automobile. For me, I'd have to say that humanity's most powerful idea has been the formation of an instrumental Psychedelic Sleaze Rock / Doom Metal band themed around 1973's ultimate biker horror film, Psychomania (released in the United States as The Death Wheelers), while also taking inspiration from similar films such as Satan's Sadists and Werewolves on Wheels.
Psychomania has been one of my favorite movies for years, so when I discovered this band, it brought a genuine smile to my face. I was wary, though, because gimmicks and themes can often take away from the music, and sometimes even serve to distract the listener from the lack of tasteful ideas. This wasn't the case with The Death Wheelers' 2018 opus, I Tread On Your Grave. The music is aesthetically brilliant, and you'll find yourself wanting to get on your bike with an undead gang and go on a killing spree of your own (please don't do this). The band captures the spirit of the film in their energetic riff-work, sassy bass-lines and explosive drumming.
It's absolutely critical for instrumental metal bands to make interesting songs with memorable, engaging riffs and immaculate flow if they want to be successful. The bands that can do this are the ones that become amongst the greats (see: Bongripper). Instrumental bands who don't write intriguing tracks aren't going to be talked about ever, and I'm talking about The Death Wheelers almost daily, so they've gotten this right. The samples on the record are used as frequently as expected, but they're perfectly placed, and they only strengthen the songs that they're used in. Every riff change is absolute perfection, and the lead guitar work is phenomenal. A perfect moment is in the track "Moto Vampiro," when the fast-paced rocker drops into a chillingly slow groove, which is soon overlayed with psychedelic lead guitars, which utilize some surf rock techniques, that contribute to the sleaziness.
The word "sleaze" can't be used enough when describing this music, and that's exactly what the band wants. Check any of their social media, and you'll see it on every page. Oftentimes, bands self-proclaiming themselves to be anything can be eye-roll-inducing. In the case of The Death Wheelers, there is an exception. They've earned their title of sleaze rock and they absolutely know it; every song generates a powerful energy based around this theme. An important note to keep in mind upon listening to this record is that, in the spirit of Psychomania, the secret to having that perfect riff return in the song is that you have to believe it will come back.
The sad thing about this band is the same thing that makes them so sublime, and that's that they're the definition of niche. The music is enjoyable to casual music fans, for sure, but I don't see them getting as excited over this music as those of us who have indulged in the classic bikersploitation films of the 60s and 70s. Had I not seen any, I don't feel that I could entirely grasp this, but this band catering to such a neat niche is just a gift to mankind. I can't ignore this or take it for granted, and I hope the band manages to skyrocket in popularity somehow. I Tread On Your Grave is the essential record for fast riding (on your chopper or otherwise), or for pretending to ride a motorcycle in your bedroom. The Living Dead are at it again.
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