TYRANNY OF SOULS
Sanctuary Music Group
Needless to say, it was a pleasant surprise when I opened up my mailbox to see a package from Chipster containing the advance CD to Bruce Dickinson's forthcoming solo album Tyranny of Souls. Being a huge fan of Mr. Dickinson, I can honestly say I like his solo work better than the last few Iron Maiden albums, and this new CD does not disappoint! Continuing in the same fashion as The Chemical Wedding (Dickinson's last solo effort released back in '98), Tyranny of Souls explores dark, apocalyptic themes both musically and lyrically. Once again joined by master guitarist/songwriter/producer Roy Z (who had just completed the production duties on the new Priest album), Dickinson and Z guide the band with Z blasting out bombastic riffs and mind-blowing leads while Dickinson's vocals sound heavier than ever displaying menacing, yet thought provoking lyrics. My favorite tracks include "The Abduction," "Soul Intruders," "Believil" and the title track. Tyranny of Souls is sure to become a metal classic!
GOD DETHRONED
THE LAIR OF THE WHITE WORM
Metal Blade
Again, I'm not a fan of most death/black metal but there are certain bands that are at the top of the game-the artists with the musical and songwriting talent. Although I can't say God Dethroned are groundbreaking, or original for that matter, but the talent and sheer metallic energy is definitely evident. And surprisingly the vocals aren't near as horrifying as one would expect from a band named God Dethroned. I particularly appreciate the old-school thrash/black metal roots - lots of traces of classic Slayer and I even hear traces of early Maiden, especially from the duel-lead guitar work from Henri Sattler and Isaac Delahaye. Although I know very little about this band, they are obviously seasoned musicians and technical scholars of this genre, which seems to be a prerequisite of most German and Scandinavian death-metal artists (if only the vocalists could adhere to this philosophy.) The music on this CD, the bands seventh studio release, is tight and aggressive, and many times surprisingly melodic. Along with Swedish bands In Flames, Soilwork, Darkane, and The Haunted, God Dethroned is at the top of the heap when it comes to Euro-death metal. If you're a fan of extreme-metal, The Lair Of The White Worm is your ticket.
BEN JACKSON GROUP
ALL OVER YOU
Screaming Ferret
Ben Jackson, co-founder/guitarist of the seminal prog-metal group Crimson Glory, releases his third solo effort All Over You. Jackson provides some ultra-hard rockin' jams on his latest Screaming Ferret release, availing from his early influences of classic guitar rock heroes such as Led Zeppelin, Pat Travers, Scorpions, Thin Lizzy and Judas Priest...it's no wonder this CD appeals to my taste in classic metal. Although I feel some of the tracks are a bit too commercial and/or poppy, displaying overbearing harmony vocals at times, for the most part, this CD is a refreshing blast of kick-ass rock. Occasionally the songs become a bit bland and uneventful, but nevertheless, Ben displays brilliant guitarwork throughout and his vocal ability is very impressive to say the least. The production is also first-rate, courtesy of the Morris brothers, Jim and Tom, who have become the staple metal producers of both traditional and death metal in the southeast, US. And like Morrisound studios other grade-A metal acts Iced Earth and Jag Panzer, Ben Jackson Group are worthy contenders of the US power-metal crown. There band has a very European sound, many times reminiscent of classic '80s Scandinavian-metal, particularly Denmark's Pretty Maids. Highlight tracks include; "Turn It On," "Mean Machine," "Eyes Of Ice," and "Heavy On My Mind."
Shockwaves CD REVIEWS ISSUE 11 Page 8