Personnel: Nathan Winneke (vocals); David Isen (guitar); Erik Engstrom (keyboards, sampler); Chris Prophet (drums).

Audio Mixer: Brian Virtue .

Recording information: Stagg Street Studios; Where's My Check Studios, Los Angeles, CA.

Unknown Contributor Role: Erik Engstrom.

By using special keyboards that mimic the eight-bit sound of early Nintendo games, Horse the Band has built a career on combining retro NES sounds with the metallic thud of noise-rock. A Natural Death continues that tradition -- indeed, the liner notes list the Gameboy as one of Erik Engstrom's three instruments -- but the arrival of replacement drummer Chris Prophet has also strengthened the band's metal tendencies. Prophet's drumming is feverishly precise, a flurry of crisp 16th notes and brain-jolting snare hits, and the band seems newly energized (and perhaps a bit more diligent, not unlike a classroom's reaction to a demanding new teacher) as a result. Lyrics that would normally incite laughter (e.g., "Don't feed the bears! Or the bears will feed on you!") are now more likely to incite moshpits. The harsh tone is boosted further by vocalist Nathan Winneke, who screams with the fury of someone who's been chewing on scrap metal since birth. It's impressive and downright scary, which is probably the result this band is looking to generate. Of course, the Nintendo influence is still there. Sandwiched between the band's hardcore riffage are those unforgettable sounds from the '80s, including the nostalgic "warping noise" that Mario used to make. The bizarrely titled "Sex Raptor" takes things a step further, adding a touch of Duran Duran to what could easily pass as a B-side from Megaman II. Keeping up with this game can be difficult -- at 16 tracks, it's a very long album -- but A Natural Death is still oddly enjoyable in a head-banging, whiplashed sort of way. Part novel and part novelty: if that doesn't float your boat, perhaps the joke's on you. ~ Andrew Leahey