This may be what is known in the business as a grower. There is none of the visceral dislike that greeted their last effort. Yes, the album has gone to number one, beating even the Beatles record in the US, however, it just isn’t that great. It’s a competent album but that is about it.
Dragonforce: The Ultimate Beatdown
The much mocked and, in some cases loathed, Dragonforce are back. And they have not fiddled with their formula. Lots of riffing, ludicrous guitar play and grandiose lyrics. Yes, they even have a power (metal) ballad in the form of “A Flame of Freedom”. No doubt the song title is two-fingered salute to those who doubt their sexuality and mock em’. This is the British interpretation of European power metal with all its epic and over the top machinations. Always fun, but never pretentious the band know how to tread the line well.
I quite like the genre and Dragonforce do it well. They know that they have to deliver the goods live and never fail to impress. This is probably the best release this lot have mustered. They took all that was right with their last album and built on it . “Inside the Winter Storm” is a great track that focuses all idiosyncrasies that is this band of nutters. If you like well played power metal then you own yourself this album. Dragonforce, second only to Iron Maiden, are Britain’s most impressive metal exports since mid-70s glory. Ignore the lame title of the CD and enjoy its goodness.
Anathema: Hindsight
Like Opeth, Anathema have gone from death metal extremities and marched squarely into the realm of Pink Floyd et al. This release is the band looking back at their career and re-interpreting the tracks in stripped down, mostly acoustic form. It is said that you can tell a good song if it works this way and you certain get that feeling from this lot of tracks. They are as haunting as they are beautiful. Gothic, melancholic but gorgeous just the same. Soaring melodies and vocals combine in an epic way on such tracks as “One Last Goodbye.” The songs might be old, but this treatment gives them a new dimension.
Article comments
1 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
I am sure there will be blowback from my review of Metallica.
Actually, Marty, it was pleasant to read a review of the new Metallica that was pretty damn accurate.[Head & heart in the right place]You hit the nail right on the head... None of this material really grabs me.
These guys are not quite back to form yet. Once they completely ditch their 90's material, practice on their instruments & focus on Thrash, their next release should be one hell of a punch. Oh.. and Kirk needs to get rid of that freakin wah-wah pedal!!
Thanks for the heads up on East of Wall - It's real hard nowadays to release a progressive album without all the references to Dream Theater & Opeth(save for the new Cynic which will be f*cking awesome) but these guys keep it interesting & a bit original. The fact that it is an instrumental release is great!
2 - Chris Beaumont
Great stuff, as always, Marty!
Guppy, got to agree, some one needs to take that wah wah away from Kirk. Nothing like a metal tune with a hard rock solo in the middle.
Looking forward to Cynic. Have a promo coming soon, should be an interesting introduction.
3 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Chris..You lucky bastich! The demo I heard that had 2 new songs was damn good & your introduction is coming at a great time. Focus was a killer CD but the new stuff sounds a bit more progressive & the production is excellent.
The new guitarist/vocalist(growling),Tymon Kruidenier, is freakin awesome... I'm so psyched to get my hands on it. I'm gonna go out on a limb here: I think this album will be better than the new Opeth.