Contrary to popular belief, metalheads are capable of enjoying music outside of the genre. As such, it’s sometimes difficult to find bands to enjoy that don’t fit into our comfort zone. Non-Metal for Metalheads is an attempt to bridge the gaps between genres a bit and show different bands that might be of some appeal.

    New Jersey’s Flammable Animals have no problem meshing with the metal scene, being no strangers to playing shows with metal bands previously. Just this past February saw them joining heavier bands for a benefit, being labeled as “Music for normal people” on the flyer. Laughs aside, the band does favor a more “accessible” sound instead of mathcore guitar parts and polymeter drum sections, but that has never once stopped them from proving they balance great musicianship with catchy songwriting and high amounts of energy that would make most bands stop a merch sale to pay attention.

    Just this past week, the band released their second EP, titled All These Wolves. The EP essentially builds off their first EP, What Lies Beneath the Parkway North, and expands what made everything work the first time. Tracks like “Boyfriend’s Car” are reminiscent to that of The Wonder Years complete with dynamic shifts and highly melodic guitar parts, while “Ordinary Threat” features a main riff that makes heavy use of accidentals to throw some edge into the music, along with some shouted vocals for that extra kick.

    While All These Wolves is an excellent display of what works well for the band, moments on their EP, a track “Horror Films (Joe’s Song)” utilizes more of those accidentals to make one of the band’s most aggressive songs available, complete with a wild breakdown to close things out. Even one not as aggressive such as “Frozen Grapes” gives you both catchy parts all over as well as a light breakdown, making everything come together nicely. In the midst of the other songs the band has available, it makes transitioning between them all accessible to the average metalhead, quickly winning you over as a fan of their entire discography.

    Flammable Animals have their music available for streaming and purchase on their Bandcamp page. If you’re in the New Jersey, be sure to keep an eye for their upcoming shows, as well as their video for “Boyfriend’s Car” right below, complete with 7-string guitar licks.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UTvnKEEsD4[/youtube]