Back in the summer of 1996, popular NYC alterna-metal band Orange 9mm lost founding guitarist Chris Traynor to another well-known New York band, Helmet. Orange 9mm had just wrapped up the recording for their second album, Tragic, and were about to begin a yearlong tour. Recent bass addition Taylor McLam switched over to guitar, while former Supertouch member Chris Vitali filled the newly vacated bassist position. After completing their mammoth tour, the band decided to record a mini-album to show their fans what their new lineup sounded like in the studio. The resulting Ultraman Vs. Godzilla shows that the new members have successfully adapted to O9mm's style, and have added a greater sense of experimentalism to the band. The industrial-sized strength of the opening "604" is very impressive, as is the heavy melodicism of the EP's closing title track. Also included is the hip-hop rock of "Victim," an uncharacteristic ballad ("Cold Snow"), and a good old-fashioned O9mm rager, "Pin Drop." ~ Greg Prato

Rovi