ALBUM REVIEWS
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ALBUM REVIEWS |
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Black Tide
LIGHT FROM ABOVE INTERSCOPE 11.02.08 @www.vanguard-online.co.uk Black Tide have already made a name for themselves opening the main stage of Ozzfest 2007 and having their debut Light From Above released on Interscope through Polydor Records that proves the industry’s faith in this band ability. It has even been compared in terms of a debut to Metallica Kill ‘Em All. a bold statement when you consider that this was pre-corporate monster Metallica with the late great Cliff Burton on bass and echoes of Dave Mustane prior to his unceremonious departure. The album kicks off with Shockwave, whose riffs owe more to classic Judas Priest than 80’s Trash but it’s a pacey start that shows this Miami four piece know what they want to deliver and do so with skill and a cohesion well beyond their years, only one on the can claim to remember the eighties (Band ages range from 14 to 19). Shout then adds a more developed sound from the opener, owing more to the likes of Rattlesnake Remedy but again it’s a good track that has all the instant hooks and longevity that makes a good song. Then comes Warriors of Time which it’s rather naive lyrics is overshadowed by the next three tracks Give me a chance, Let me and Show the way which define the Black Tide sound, crisp guitar solos and sing along choruses that should have many a metal fan pumping the air with raised fits. The album continues it ode to power metal though Enterprise and Live Fast Die Young, you can hear subtle influence of producer Johnny K previous work. Track nine is a cover of Metallica’s Hit the Lights and it’s a reasonable cover but you must remember that some of us are old enough to have experienced this live with the original line-up (of Hetfield, Ulrich, Hammett and Burton). A nice try when you consider they are messing with Thrash Metal aristocracy. The album closes with Black Abyss, Light from above and a UK bonus track Black Widow continue to deliver on this well produced album that pays credit to the metal genre. At times the lyrics show a certain immaturity but this will come with time and experience, it’s a credible debut from a band that can deliver content in line with their peers, taking their influences from the glory days of Metal but adding their own youthful twist for a new generation of head banging thrashers. Nice one. www.blacktidemusic.com |