The extreme punk, rock, hardcore sounds of Ripsnorter on their third full length c.d. entitled “Infected”, energizes and catapults the listener’s senses into a frenzied variety of emotion’s. Through the use of catchy guitar hooks, harmonic guitar back drops, powerfully thumping bass lines, smoothly delivered vocals, tasty drums and exaggerated time change, many of the thirteen songs on “Infected” are a real addictive treat to the ears. This Minneapolis based band has created uniquely energetic music since 1994 with a viable fan base of self acclaimed, “Die hards”, spanning from every corner of the U.S. and in many foreign markets. Ripsnorters current lineup on there 2008 release, “Infected” is quite simply a well produced and fit mix of music with instrumentation by JME on lead guitar and vocals. Andy on rhythm guitar. They bring out the fullest in a reputable punk hardcore guitar sound. Ripsnorter has a strongly enhanced back rhythm and beat that is catchy and ritualistically dark at the same time driven by Jay on drums and Rob on the bass guitar. Filling the void between heaven and hell through a wicked low end. From the eerie sound effects that are surprisingly welcoming on the opening song, “Wasteland” to the last distorted guitar/sing along of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s cult song (the only cover on “Infected”)”Bad Moon Rising”. I found the vocal effects on “Cocoon” to be a joyous change that erupted my imagination with strongly delivered vocals that garnished my attention thoroughly throughout. I felt part of being human (is the pain) of wanting the song to continue long after its ending. “Box of Culture” is another one of my personal favorites with an irreplaceable bass guitar (Rob) and lead/rhythm guitars that are punctuated on the beat of a dime at a split second by drummer Jay. Surprisingly the emotions of JME shine dangerously through the vocal affects and falsifies any discern that punk is for screamers without harmonious, catchy vocals. The bands MySpace posted song at www.myspace.com/RIPSNORTER , “Caught Between Heaven and Hell” is just a small tantalizing tease of what one can find on this well produced L.P.(Mixed/Mastered at Logic Studios-Engineered by Brian “Gary”Bart) With an all out frontal bass assault and penetration rhythm guitars (Andy) going the distance from song after song, any fan of quality punk music with a flare for change and dramatics, will find themselves in a sing along, long after a few listens. For more information on who Ripsnorter is and how you can obtain your copy of “Infected” visit the above mentioned MySpace or log onto www.Ripsnorter.com. Ripsnorter definitely takes the road less traveled in music today with an all out balls to the walls attitude and thunderous punk rock sound. Ripsnorter continues to give the middle finger to the establishment without missing a beat in the constantly growing hardcore, punk, rock scene. Sinfully, Q5 - MUEN Magazine