Seven Seals
Nuclear Blast
I've always thought Primal Fear were the best Judas Priest tribute band around. The problem is, the band don't intentionally pay tribute to Judas Priest! Fact is, Primal Fear does write all original tunes, but the Priest influence is so predominate that the average metal fan probably wouldn't be able to tell the two bands apart. So the band may not be the most original, but that's not to say that they don't still kick ass. Since the band's self-titled 1998 debut up till this recent release Seven Seals (their 7th CD release) this German band has carried forth the same traditional Euro-fueled power-metal that has made them underground metal icons. But the problem is Seven Seals offers absolutely nothing more than what we've heard on their previous albums. The band has shied away from their Priest heritage somewhat but the influence is still overly evident. As on their previous discs, the production is flawless, as is the musicianship. Band leader/bassist Mat Sinner holds down a solid rhythm section along with Canadian drummer Randy Black (ex-Annihilator) and Stefan Leibing and Tom Naumann perform searing guitar work and crunching riffs with (former Gamma Ray) vocalist Ralf Scheepers belting out Halford-ish howls. But the fact remains, Primal Fear's sound hasn't neither changed nor progressed one bit since their incarnation. The same sterile traditional metal riffs and the same lame lyrics and choruses are featured within. Holding true to your sound is one thing but it's overly apparent that this band is playing it way too safe and unwilling to take any risks fearing they may jeopardize their 'metal style' or their fan-appeal. Primal Fear is a great band with talented musicians but it's about time this band develops their sound and tries something new and exciting. And it's also time they break from their sterility and add some soul to their music. Hopefully the next album will see this band progress rather than them just going through the motions.
THE PB ARMY
Spine For The Snapback
Sin Club Entertainment
This Toledo, Ohio based trio finally release their follow-up to their classic 2002 debut. This 12-song disc combines thrash-rock and trash-rock, a combination that works well for The PB Army (named after an old Pabst Blue Ribbon slogan) who play with balls-out energy and conviction. Showing traces of Queens Of The Stone Age-style stoner-rock, late '60s garage rock, '80s thrash and '90s grunge, The PB Army prove they can snap spines and bust ass with the best of 'em. Although the songs on Spine For The Snapback aren't as strong or nearly as memorable as the songs on their first release (which contained the underground metal classic "Circle the Wagon") the album as a whole rocks hard from start to finish. Vocalist/skin-beater/infernal-combust-nut Keith Bergman sings with power and passion and slams the skins in true Grohl-fashion. Guitarist Micah Shimborske performs some great retro-riffs but his guitar tone tends to grate your nerves after the first few tracks. Nonetheless, Spine For The Snapback is still a CD definitely worth checking out. Standout cuts include the opener "Trouble In The Woodshed" and the punk-fueled "Viva Los Alamos."
Shockwaves CD REVIEWS ISSUE 12 Page 13