Teach a chimpanzee sign language, and the next thing you know you'll have a monkey playing guitar. These mammalian infestations are by no means nixed cast members from "The Planet of The Apes," but rather a group of hard-edged hooligans from the U.K. who deliver metal in a promising death metal/Black Sabbath vein. Vocalist John Paul Morrow has a sinister, sneering quality to his delivery, reminiscent of Deicide in its heyday. "Boss Keloid" immediately locks into a groove that just doesn't quit, providing ample head-nodding opportunities for those so inclined. Iron Monkey tends to rely on the guitar as its primary pain enforcer, keeping excessive bass frequencies to a minimum. However, there's still plenty of double bass and grimy feedback on tracks like "House Anxiety" and the 19 minute epic "9 Joint Spiritual Whip" to keep the noise fans at bay as well. So the next time you're visiting your local zoo, instead of keepin' your eyes fixed on baboon butts, head for the monkey cage and look for the hairy, suspicious quartet in the corner with air guitars blazing -- you may have stumbled upon an Iron Monkey practice session in full force.

* No monkeys were hurt during the recording of Our Problem or the writing of this review.