Self-titled
Rock Ridge Music/Sixthman
This San Francisco quartet have opted the Do-It-Yourself approach by released a self-distributed 10-song disc and touring the nation to support the release, all without label support. A noble achievement, and something that should be applauded in this age of corporate, dependent, commercial pop-bullshit. The band's extensive hard work and non-stop touring apparently paid off as they recently inked a deal with The Agency Group, one of the premiere booking agency's in the US, and they have since supported the likes of Mudvayne, Taproot, Kittie, and Testament. Musically, Domeshots would be categorized as nu-metal, but this band honestly offers much more than the typical self-righteous, talent less, aggro-crap you hear on modern radio and find "battling for Ozzfest." The members of this band are actually capable musicians with guitarist Jim Selshas churning out rip-roaring riffs and tasteful leads and Erick Tamo (bass) and Dave Criss (drums) providing an ultra-solid backbone. At times, vocalist Dan Alexander drifts into the typical Deftones/Tool monotony but more often than not he resembles Mike Patton in an aggressive, and impressive, vocal rage. He's got great vocal dynamics and great control, knowing how and when to alter his power and emotion. Songs such as "The Suit," "Camp Candy," and "Mothra" show strong influence from Faith No More but deliver nonetheless, with impressive, odd time changes and erratic vocals. All ten tracks show promise, proving this band is definitely worthy of rock-stardom. It will be interesting to see how well this band performs live. Domeshots are definitely a band to look out for.
METAL CHURCH
The Weight Of The World
SPV Records
Metal Church is back on top with The Weight of the World. After releasing the embarrassing reunion record "Masterpiece"(an understatement to say the least) in'99, it's good to see the band return to their metal senses. In the vein of their first two metal classics (the self-titled and "The Dark"), The Weight of the World continues in that tradition of monster riffs and brazen vocals. New throat Ronny Munroe sounds remarkably similar to ex-vocalist David Wayne, but provides much more soul and melody than either past vocalist Wayne, or Mike Howe. It's great to see my old buddy, and Seattle native, Jay Reynolds (ex-Malice) brought into the fold as second guitarist to main songwriter/producer Kurt Vanderhoof. All ten tracks are standard Metal Church, with Maiden-ish overtones and great melodies that has made this band so significant over the years and a major influence on the slew of traditional European metal acts that have emerged throughout the '90s and new millennium. Do yourself a favor and get a taste of the real-deal, Metal Church are legends in their own might. Not to be overlooked.
Shockwaves CD REVIEWS ISSUE 10 Page 9