The phenomenon that was rap metal seems to be in its waning years but that has not stopped grade 8 from coming into prominence. Their debut release, a self-titled affair, has gained them a slot on Ozzfest 2003 and for good cause. With chugging guitars, a clean low end and powerful vocals, grade 8 should be able to hold their own and gain a following on the Ozz second stage.
The easiest way to define grade 8's sound would be to imagine what Machine Head would sound like had they gone totally into the rap rock realm. Singer Ryan Tooker's gravely tone is not quite as powerful as Robert Flynn's, but it isn't too far away from it either. His brother, Dustin Tooker, keeps the guitar lines thick and crushing (not unlike former Machine Head ax-man Ahrue Luster). Scott Carneghi's work on the skins is more than capable, while Guy Couturier's bass adds intensity to the guitars.
Like many groups in their genre, there are few songs that stand above the rest on their album.
The song “Chances” is one of them, most likely due to Toby Wright's mixing. While the lyrics of “Get It Out” are a bit simplistic, the song marks the highest point of grade 8's attack with racing guitars and double bass kicks. The clean vocal bridge at the end of “One Wish” shows that Ryan's voice is not limited to the growling-rap style that is prominent on the release. It is definitely something that he should expand upon in the future. As rap rock is rapidly losing fans, expanding their already-capable sound can only build their fan base further.
