No, the Single Bullet Theory heard on Route 666 isn't the Richmond, VA-based new wave band that was active in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. This Single Bullet Theory is from Philadelphia--not Richmond--and they got together long after the other band broke up. Plus, this SBT doesn't play new wave or anything that could be mistaken for it. Route 666 is a punishing metalcore/alternative metal disc along the lines of Demon Hunter, Rotten Sound and Brick Bath. When a CD is titled Route 666, it's logical to assume that the band is providing Occult-obsessed death metal/black metal. But even though SBT's lyrics are definitely on the dark side, sledgehammer tracks like "Automatic Impulse" and "Bone Machine" aren't death metal in the way that Carcass, Triumphator, Dark Funeral or In Aeternum are death metal. Again, Route 666 is best described as metalcore (which isn't the same as grindcore), and this 2003 release is merciless in its brutality. SBT obviously don't believe in taking prisoners; their playing is dense, claustrophobic and extremely harsh, and lead singer Matt Difabio's screaming, ultra-abrasive vocal style (which is quite typical of metalcore) adds to the brutality factor. This CD has some melodic passages that soften the blow a little bit, but only a little bit--all things considered, Route 666 is an unforgiving example of sensory assault. Music this brutal is definitely an acquired taste, but those who like their metalcore on the ferocious side will find a lot to enjoy about SBT's hammer-to-the-skull approach. ~ Alex Henderson