Gurd, or gurD as they often spell it themselves, hails from Switzerland and plays groove metal. I remember Gurd well from the mid-90s. They emerged just as groove metal was gaining traction with bands like Machine Head, Prong, Coal Chamber, and Biohazard. Gurd also received some attention in the larger metal press, but it never quite took off for the Swiss band. Consequently, Gurd quickly faded into obscurity for most people. However, the band has persevered over the years, and “Hallucinations” marks their eleventh album. Admittedly, many members from the 90s have been replaced, but that’s not uncommon. Today’s Gurd sounds a bit rawer, with many of the typical 90s elements gone, for better or worse. I can’t shake the feeling that Gurd sounds somewhat devoid of identity nowadays. “Hallucinations” could easily be an album from any hardcore thrash band. Unfortunately, the album ends up being quite mediocre and forgettable. Gurd once again fades into my oblivion until someone sends me their next record.
Released September 23rd, 2022 on Massacre Records.
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