Greetings all; that pile I have gone on about over the last few weeks is finally being reduced a bit as the influx of review material has calmed down in the pre-Christmas lull. In fact my mail has dried up completely; which is a bit of shock when you are used to getting 3 or 4 pieces of product every few days.
This week I have the pleasure of reviewing a new Journey DVD/CD combo; a release which I found myself singing along to. We also have the errant Creozoth review from last week that mysteriously disappeared.
CD reviews: Pride, Creozoth & Nox Arcana
Pride: Far from the Edge & Signs of Purity
Pride, long time members of the UK melodic rock scene have called it a day, and from what I have heard on these two CDs I can see why. Having seen their last performance at this year's Melodic Rock Xmas gig I was wondering if they were any more inspiring on CD.
Sadly both of these two albums demonstrate what can be seen as wrong with the melodic rock scene in the UK and one could argue in other regions as well. The music is well played, almost too well at times, but seems uninspired and rather more by the numbers than needs be. The band are clearly fans of the Bon Jovi circa 'Keep the Faith'; just listen to 'This Time' off Far From the Edge. There is very little that is as catchy as Bon Jovi at their best; at other times the band mimic Tyketto as on the song 'Say You're Not Lonely'.
After a while Pride's music sounds all very similar. It is well played melodic rock for those aren't very adventurous in their musical tastes. You have heard it all before; maybe not done any better; but done with more feeling. Its melodic rock MOR; formulaic and lacking that passion that you really want. Its uninspiring quality; kind like driving a Japanese car. I prefer a Dodge Viper; even with my melodic rock.
Creozoth: s/t
What you get when you combine the talents of Candlemass' lead guitarist and drummer with a former Yngwie Malmsteen vocalist (Michael Storck) and a bassist out of a band called Redfun?
For me at least this lot sound like the last Metallica album should have sounded. It is quality mainstream metal by a bunch of guys who actually know what they hell they are doing. As opposed to the doom metal of Candlemass or the ponce pomp heavy rock of Malmsteen; this is head down trad metal with a slight hint of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. 'Minute U Die' is a classic example of this sort of hybrid. 'For Your Amusement' on the other hand is pure Megadeth at their best; with Storck producing his best Mustaine-esque sung snarl. Clearly the band are having a great time doing a bit of retro-metal. Its head down driving stuff that works on so many levels. All are experienced live players; and despite the fact this could be seen as a side band, lets hope they manage to tour.
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Article comments
1 - Aaman
Darklore Manor seems interesting - too bad it is not currently in stock at Amazon