Album more of a fist fight than a dance

It seems awkward that New Jersey, a state boasting the musical fame of Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi, would produce a band as furious and angst-ridden as 40 Below Summer. The band's major label debut, but third album, Invitation to the Dance, is yet another addition to the ever-growing list of nu-metal acts, following in the footsteps of Korn, Disturbed and Slipknot. \nThe introductory track, "We the People," is almost anthem-like in its declaration of self-expression and anger, preparing you for a barrage of distorted guitars and intriguing vocals. Vocalist Max Illedge combines the abilities of Jonathan Davis (Korn), Corey Taylor (Slipknot) and Max Cavalera (Soulfly, Sepultara) into one solitary assault on the senses. He manages to mix calm melodies with screaming to create one of the most intense hardcore voices of this generation of music. \nGuitarists Hector Graziani and Joe D'amico, bassist Jordan Plingos and drummer Carlos Aguilar are the true forces behind 40 Below Summer. The use of a five-string bass and seven-string guitars provide the destructive riffs and power chords needed to complement the nihilistic vocals of Illedge. \nIn an effort to create a new sound in a world dominated by boy bands and teen divas, the musicians of 40 Below Summer fail to realize they have copied their predecessors and peers. The blaring vocals are reminiscent of Korn's 1994 debut album, and the dark, hardcore music is similar to other emerging nu-metal bands such as Adema and Mushroomhead. Still, such heavy sounds act as a force to be reckoned with. \nAlthough the tracks are well written both lyrically and musically, the order of the tracks on the album leaves a little to be desired. Rather than a melodic introduction, possibly "Power Tool" or "Rejection," and then a relaxed closing track such as "Drown," to calm you down after an injection of metal, the tracks randomly skip around from hard to soft, leaving you slightly confused.\nCollectively the album is a statement of fear, loathing and self-expression. In an era of countless nu-metal bands 40 Below Summer should be at the top of the list -- a must have for fans of Korn, Slipknot, Primer 55 and the like.\nRating: 7