This US band formed in 1986, some of you may remember the name, they came at a time when power/speed metal was a real force and in ’89 they released ‘Vengeance is Mine’, nowadays an obscure underground release). Over the years that debut has become a bit of a marmite phenomenon; you either love it or hate it. Its subsequent re-release in 2017 may have sparked more interest, I do recognise the cover, but not heard if there was a re-master or remix involved.
‘Metal Revenge’ shouldn’t be confused with the title of their first demo from ’86, these are different songs, although listening through this 7 track release does bring a sense of confusion. By this, it sounds like there are three bands, with the tracks sounding very different and they sound as if they have been recorded in different locations. Whether this is accurate or not, I can’t comment, this is just what I feel when I hear the songs.
‘Rampage’, ‘Leave Me Alone’ and ‘Dopemestic Violence’ are in the majority mid-paced plodders. Something I would associate with the 90’s. Older bands got “heavier” but lost their speed. Subsequently, I feel these tracks are indifferent, a touch stale and lack a sense of urgency. ‘Zombie March (March Into Fire)’ on the other hand fairs better, but destroys itself with a cavalcade of noise which represents the guitar solo, I really don’t know what to think here, it’s simply bizarre.
On a positive note, and more in tune with their debut, is ‘Slapped in the Face’. To me more like Impaler or latter Piledriver. With a gruff vocal and increase in tempo makes the track sound much more vibrant. It’s just a shame this one is relative short in terms of playing time.
‘Burnt’ is where the heavier sound works, but the constant use of expletives really puts a damper on what could be a newer era. The closer ‘Ancient Ruins’ is also marginally redeemable. The final three tracks are agreeable, with ‘Slapped in the Face’ being the stand out. Overall, it’s not a release I would jump up and down about; it feels rushed and a bit too compressed in terms of guitar sound. It’s simply ok, as I struggle to find its consistency and its takes me to a darker period of my musical journey that I simply did not enjoy much.
(5.5/10 Paul Maddison)
10/07/2019 at 4:11 am
That’s a great well really a sour review, to say the least it’s so great that Stormspell signed the band based on your magnificent review Thanks you should be proud ! To bad I didn’t include your name in time on the special thanks F.o.a.d list . See ya in hell Bubba
10/07/2019 at 7:49 am
The review is hardly malicious but a constructive one making some points and opinions that you can feel to either take on board or ignore. Simple as that.
The fact you guys must be coming up to your 60’s shows that you really should be above childish comments like this and have a lot to learn on how the industry works since you last put out an album in 1990.
Congratulations on signing to a label pandering to music for “Old farts stuck in the 80’s”. You must be over the moon.
Best of luck Pete
04/08/2019 at 5:33 pm
Thanks Pete you ever come to portland look me up the worst that will happen we will turn you into our sex slave & take turns fucking ya. Your favorite Instrument some guys skin flute what a punk what a waste of human being. go back to your cave & beat on rocks !