Metal Reviews

Yeah, I was just going to post something like this. It's a bit... meh, isn't it?

Are we listening to the same band? There's nothing Death Metally going on.

Edit: well, a bit, but it's far more Thrashy Power than what I'd normally call Death. Like Iced Earth as people wish they were? It's a grower.

You kidding? Musically it's surely a bit of a contrast with Owens' style. This would have fared better with a growler.

It is quite a bit heavier than his usual style o'backing, but I'd say it stops short of anything heavier than Death at their most melodic. Better with a growler? Eh, more average, maybe - I think he does elevate the music and give it that extra bit of oomph, but I don't think it's anything brilliant. High 70s-low 80s at best, the songs are more complex than they first seem but don't add up to make that special an album.

There was some deathier riffs in there although I don't think Tim Owens really sounded out of place.

Christys drumming is

That's the problem with this album, actually. It's fucking annoying and distracting a lot of times. It's like, "Okay, dude, we get it, you can play the fucking drums. You're a bad-ass. Now settle the fuck down!"

I like the guy, he's funny shit. The fact that he can drum adds to it.

Listened to this the other day and nothing really jumped out. I'll give it another chance in the near future. Owens just can't seem to actually find a band that can write songs that capitalize on his abilities. He had some excellent moments on The Glorious Burden, especially the trilogy, but other than that every album he's on is rather ho hum.

so..

giving it a "real" listen now, and it's pretty good. It's not great, but it's listenable and has some real cool moments. I like Owens singing to a heavier band.

I'm thinking the same thing which isn't really what I was expecting.