While Black Tide's music offers a great throwback sound, they are not a throwback band. They have taken their influences and mixed them with their own experiences, thus delivering a sound that is fresh with a healthy respect for their predecessors. To make sure you know where they are coming from, they include a cover of Metallica's classic cut "Hit the Lights." Now, their version comes nowhere near the original, but they do put themselves out there in the attempt, and I respect them for that. They bring a little of their own spin to it, which works out well.
I must admit to really being taken with Back Tide. I would not go so far as to call the album great, but their youth, combined with what they put together here, shows a lot of promise for their future. I feel that they have the potential to be a great band. It will definitely be interesting to watch them develop and what they may be able to put out with some more experience under their belts.
When you pop this in your CD player, be sure to focus on, "Warriors of Time" with its classic-in-the-making feel; the power ballad feel of "Give Me a Chance," the thrashy tones of "Let Me," the Iron Maiden-esque "Enterprise," and the Motley Cure modeled "Live Fast Die Young." Of course, don't forget to give the "Hit the Lights" cover a shot!
Bottomline. With hope for the future, Black Tide delivers one of the stronger metal albums of the 2008 music season. This four piece have the basis for strong songwriting with skills to back it up. Once you start listening you probably won't be able to stop.
Recommended.
Article comments
1 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Sorry Chris,
People, so easily, throw around the names Metallica & Megadeth. But, look what they accomplished at the same age(+2 years?) & when you look back at the scene in the mid to late 80's, this band comes no where near the talent or sound that was demolishing people's ears! I guess you had to be there. This band sounds more like a mockery of LOUDNESS in the 90's than any kind nod to the old school 80's. FYI: Warbringer & Municipal Waste f*cking destroy this band...There's no direct or indirect comparison. This material should never be used as a benchmark for any kind of 80's comeback!!
Suggested Learning:
Dyoxen
Atrophy
Agony
Artillery
2 - EH
Great Review! I hate how many of the true 80's metal fans completely disregard Black Tide because critics have compared them to some of the greatests classic metal bands which Black Tide isn't at the same calibre yet. "Look at what they accomplished in their first 2 years". Well they released their debut album with one of the biggest record labels. They were on ozzfest mainstage. Toured Europe. Toured with Avenged Sevenfold. Toured with Slipknot Disturbed Machinhead. Not bad for 15 year old Gabriel.
3 - Chris
Brian, just...stop. You flat out..oy. I totally agree with this review. These guys are very young and already, with this album, have shown they are destined for greatness. Just stay the right course, keep their heads on right and add some touring, maturing into the mix and it will equal some classic albums.