** Drain S.T.H.

HORROR WRESTLING

(Mercury)

Originally released in '96 by the now defunct EMI imprint the Enclave, Drain S.T.H.'s Horror Wrestling is back on Mercury with three added tracks, including a throwaway cover of Motörhead's "Ace of Spades." This all-female Swedish foursome have a clear fascination for the darker side of metal -- heavy guitar riffing, morbid lyrics, and Nine Inch Nails-style industrial overtones. The disc's catchiest tune, "Someone," brings to mind Alice in Chains. Vocalist Maria Sjöholm has a rough voice reminiscent of Metallica's James Hetfield. And guitarist Flavia Canel shines with a soaring wah-wah-drenched solo on the Marc Bolan-ish "Crack the Liar's Smile." What Drain S.T.H. lack is a sense of humor, the sort of attitude and ironic edge that has helped make American metal grrrls L7 more than just another band recycling old Black Sabbath riffs.

-- Chris Parcellin