I’m not entirely sure why The Showdown don’t get more attention in the metal press, but I surmise it has something to do with the fact that they’re on Solid State, a record label known more for Christian haircut-core than for blazing metal riffs. But The Showdown have blazing metal riffs in spades; I haven’t listened in full to their Summer ’08 record The Backbreaker yet, but what I have heard of the record is way heavier than its excellent, more hard rock-leaning predecessor Temptation Come My Way. There’s also the Christian thing, which probably turns off a lot of metalheads, this writer included; but in the case of The Showdown the riffs are so damn good and the songs so succinct that I just turn off the part of my brain that listens to lyrics. This part of my brain is usually off anyway, but I digress.

All of this is a long-winded way of saying that The Showdown’s new video for “Achilles – The Backbreaker” kicks ass. Visually-speaking it’s a rather plebian attempt, but it showcases the ass-kicking performance aspect of the band’s attack, showcases their chops, and drives this point home: The Showdown are awesome and worthy of any metalhead’s attention.

-VN