This is probably going to be one of the shortest reviews you'll find here on Monsters at Play. Not because I didn't enjoy the DVD I was sent by Kettle Cadaver, but simply because this DVD only ran 20-minutes and it's nothing more than a barrage of shocking imagery, some of which could even give the otherworldly fellas of Hellraiser a run for their money. The main difference here being, that this footage appears to be all too disturbingly real.

In case you aren't in the know, Kettle Cadaver is a band. I hadn't heard of them until I had received this DVD and I was guaranteed some outright disturbing and rude behavior prior to its arrival. These claims turned out to be 100% truthful, this is some sick as hell shit right here. A Taste of Blood is a 20-minute collection of clips showing off the band Kettle Cadaver in action. Of course by "in action" I mean scenes of self-mutilation (including that of the penis) by the truckload. Amidst the concert clips, behind the scenes band moments and artsy music video segment, there's plenty of real life bleeding taking place here, someone better call a nurse, and quick!

Let's get a little more specific here. Self-mutilation by puncturing the skin with needles, attaching chains and stretching out the flesh, nails thru scrotum sacks, blood drinking (and subsequent spitting), random fighting and ass kicking, the band performing underwater and an ever so brief glimpse of some backstage sexual shenanigans (c'mon guys, why so brief - little help here?).

All of the engrossing visuals are accompanied by some original Kettle Cadaver music, which I found to be somewhat interesting. Of course there's a lot of yelling, instrument smashing and telling the world to basically go fuck itself (a point I somewhat agree with). The whole thing reeked of GG Allin - I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't wholly fascinated and thoroughly entertained. My only real complaint here is that it was just too damn short, I wanted more, much more - such is life.

Picture quality varies throughout depending on the video source. Visuals are mostly clean, you'll be able to make out some details you'll wish you hadn't. The Mono audio track is equally as clean and clear.

I think I'd like to attend a Kettle Cadaver show, that is if it weren't for the fact that I fear I'd have my ass kicked 10-times over, I'm sure there's no room in that crowd for this here horror nerd. Props to Kettle Cadaver for keeping Rock 'n Roll alive and kicking and for being just plain rude (in the best possible way that one can possibly be rude that is).

A Taste of Blood DVD is available for $10.00 in the USA and $15.00 in the rest of the world (Postage is included in price). Send well concealed US cash (at your own risk) or a money order made out to: Sean Duvall at: H.R.R. PO Box 891732 Temecula CA 92589-1732 USA and be sure to tell 'em that The Monsters sent ya!

Visit Kettle Cadaver online here!