Album Reviews

Here, I will be reviewing albums, both new and old. Every week I hope to add 1 album to this section. If you have an album you would like me to review here, please contact me.

Exciter - The New Testament (2004 - Osmose): These Canadian power-thrashers decided to re-record their classic songs from the 80s as well as some newer tunes This was a great idea by the band to re-record their classic songs. Their originals were very raw but it's nice to redo the production and let the fans hear what the new singer and drummer sound like. Guitarist John Ricci covered both the Guitars and Bass and really did a great job on both instruments. 

This album's production is pretty good but it really lacks. The drum and bass sound is excellent, exactly the way you want those instruments to sound. However, the guitar tone on the old songs is weak and at times annoying. I understand they were trying to maintain some rawness but the guitar is worse on this album then it was on the albums from the 80s. Guitar tone aside the production is great. 

Now, onto the music. The band really went all out on this album. It still maintains much of that raw sound they were known for since Heavy Metal Maniac (1984). I really enjoyed their redone versions of Pounding Metal and Long Live the Loud (however the guitar slide was missing). The singer was very good on the album, nailing most of Dan Beehler's (original singer/drummer) notes so I have no problems with that. The guitars, tone aside, were excellent. The solos, I thought, sounded better than what was recorded in the 80s. The bass had a great thumping sound to it which I felt really added to the sound. The drumming was dead on and kept an strong beat the whole way through. 

If you are a fan of Exciter, or thrashy power metal in general, I see no reason why you shouldn't pick up this album. I felt they really payed homage to what they've done in the past. This album was a great way to set the record straight and band's sound straight.

Rating: 7.7/10

Betrayer - Rusted Icons (2001 - Independent): This is an ass kicking release. I have been a fan of these guys for a few years now, and it's easy to see why they have a continually growing fan base. The album's music is comparable to the likes of early Metallica, Megadeth, Iron Maiden and maybe a bit of the Scorpions for good measure. 

Singer Jeff Klingbiel handles all of the Guitars and Vocals, and that which he does magnificently. His solos are smoking and his vocals filled with power and energy. Bassist Norm Michaud provides a solid and grooving rhythm for these songs. Drummer Shawn Bastien is as solid as they come in this business, he rarely, if ever, skips a beat. 

The album's production is a bit shaky, the guitar tone is drenched with distortion and the bass sound is a bit dry, but not really enough so to turn the listener off. It is an odd production style but it does add a bit of rawness to sound, something I'm sure most metal fans want.

Check out the songs "Descendants of Death" or "Rusted Icons" to hear what I'm talking about, they are filled with the elements every metal fan wants in a song. This album has no filler and rocks you from beginning to end. To hear what truly excellent musicians these guys are try #7, Sands of Time. 

Betrayer are beginning to change the trends, and it's time for the world to listen.

Rating: 9/10

Trauma - Scratch and Scream (1984 - Shrapnel): This band is known mostly as the band Cliff Burton came from. I'm sure many will pass on this album simply because Cliff did not play on this album, however, regardless of who played bass on this album it is not one to be passed over. 

Years ago I received Metal Massacre 2. One band stood out amongst the others. A band called Trauma who had a short song called Such a Shame. Little did I know at the time that Cliff Burton from Metallica had played bass on that track. For sometime now I have been hunting for this album and was finally able to get my hands on it (thanks Crimson Messiah). 

This album from start to finish displays Metal ala Metallica, Only it's a bit rawer and less thrashy than what Metallica was doing at the time. This album starts off with "The Day All Hell Broke Loose" which sets to the tone of the album perfectly. This album contains no ballads, but does contain small epic song called "In the end" which has a lot of power in it. 

The singer has a voice like what most Classic Metal bands during this period had. The singer voice is a bit scratchy at times but can still hit some pretty high notes. The guitars very much give this album the Metallica feel I was mentioning, although you can certainly hear some 70s hard rock influence in some of the solos. Cliff or no Cliff, the bass was excellent on this album, The bass player did an great job, while living up to such a legend. The drums were fine and I could find little fault with the drummer's style.

As far as the production, it lacks a bit but most Metal bands during this time had weak production. The mix on this album however was very good. The only thing that bugged me was the sound of the kick drum but I got used to it and don't notice it anymore.

I would say if you enjoyed the first Metal Church release, I would certainly look into picking this album up too as they both contain many of the same elements.

Rating: 8.5

Wolf - Evil Star (2004 - Massacre): After being such a fan of these guys first 2 releases I figured I had to hear their third release. These guys sound has always going for an almost American sounding version of maiden, only more guitar driven. 

This album opens up with one of the choice cuts from the album "Evil Star" and doesn't let up. There isn't any filler on this album as all the songs are heavy and slamming. This is truly Metal at it's finest. Their 'single' chosen from the album "Wolf's Blood" is another choice but which leaves you begging for more. Next on the disc is an instrumental "Transylvanian Twilight" which leads into "Devil's Moon". At the end of the disc is an odder sounding, yet very welcomed cover of "Don't Fear the Reaper"

Singer/Guitarist Niklas Olssen does a great job, not only with the song writing and composing but with the actual guitar work and singing itself. His solos are impressive and his vocals maybe even more so. His rhythm section behind him, I can find no faults with as they are solid and provide the necessary groove for the listener to really get into this album.

Fans of Maiden, Priest and Classic/Power Metal in general I STRONGLY suggest picking this album up, as it will surely be at or near the top of your list of the top album of 2004!

Rating: 9/10

More to come soon!!