Still reading? Good. Let it be known that 40 Below Summer is a great nu-metal band. Formed in 1998, the band quickly self-released a full-length—Side Show Freaks (1999)—and an extremely limited (10–15 copies) promotional EP—Rain (2000). They were signed shortly thereafter and released their major label debut—the outstanding Invitation To The Dance (2001)—which was then reissued on another major label in 2002, after a corporate merger. In short time they released a follow-up—The Mourning After (2003)—and the band was dropped a year later. In 2005, after two original band members quit, 40 Below Summer disbanded. However, in 2006, the band resurfaced with The Last Dance, a demos/b-sides album featuring nine unreleased tracks, including a cover of Guns 'N' Roses' "It's So Easy." The Last Dance also includes a DVD featuring the band's — at the time — final live performance, a few additional live performances, interview footage, and a video.

History lesson aside, The Last Dance is what you'd expect from a demos/b-sides release: it's a mixed bag. "New Age Slaves" is a great, groovy, double-bass-filled, anthemic piece with a catchy chorus. "5 Of A Kind" is largely the same: catchy, groove-laden, typical nu-metal; and very good. Things slow down with an excellent modern rock ballad "Tell Me Now," and "It's About Time" cranks things back up with its rollicking groove, simple yet addictive chorus, and Clutch-like verses and mid-section. Beyond this, the album largely follows the same course, with only the oddball and eerie "Alaskan Thunderfuck" standing out from the norm. And then there's the cover of "It's So Easy," which mostly stays true to the original, only coming from a nu-metal perspective.

Fans of the band's previous output will be satisfied with The Last Dance; but this release surely won't convert any non-believers. All nine songs are good, and a few are great. The production is a little weak, as the guitar tone sounds a bit thin, and the drums occasionally sound a bit on the weak side. The bass is clear in the mix, but like the guitar it's missing that bottom end. The DVD is an added bonus. The live footage looks and sounds great; and the interview footage with band members gives the fan a real good insight into 40 Below Summer's existence—and subsequent non-existence.

Though they broke up, 40 Below Summer has played a few shows since then. They've also released The Last Dance, and they're re-releasing the Rain EP with seven bonus tracks in July (2007). Rumor has it that their debut, Side Show Freaks, will also be re-released in the future. So while the band has broken up and members moved on (with Black Market Hero and the excellent Anja), 40 Below Summer still have something left for the fans, and The Last Dance is a worthy addition to their discography.

written by Ken Wood

Playing time: 37:36