Lazarus A.D. - The Onslaught (2009)

Genre: Thrash Metal/Groove Metal
Label: Metal Blade Records
Country of Origin: Wisconsin, USA
Band Formation: 2005
Band Members:
Vocals/Bass: Jeff Paulick
Guitars/Backing vocals: Dan Gapen
Guitars: Alex Lackner
Drums: Ryan Shutler

Song list:
01. Last Breath
02. Thou Shall Not Fear
03. Damnation for the Weak
04. Absolute Power
05. Revolution
06. Rebirth
07. Lust
08. Forged In Blood
09. Every Word Unheard
10. Who I Really Am

Run time: 43 minutes (approximately)

Review: After listening to metal after a long period, one gets tempted to find some new bands to update their iPod. Then, one mostly tends to get disappointed as the mindset refuses to discharge the old classic metal songs. Moreover, comparisons begin with harsh criticism over current metal bands.

Now, when a film is released that is directed by say, Ridley Scott, it is undoubtedly watched by any movie buff, isn’t it? Why is it so? Well, it is mainly because of the banner with the name Ridley Scott. Since he has won awards and given us great movies in the past, people blindly go to watch his movies. The same goes with Metal Blade Records.

Metal Blade Records has never disappointed metalheads as they constantly showcase new talent that turn out to be simply fantastic. Now, most genuine metal bands come from either side of the Atlantic. This record label mainly focuses on bringing up the metal bands from America. So, if my analogy is right, this band should blow us away. Read on.

This is a new band and is on a learning curve. To be honest, most established bands too are learning and experimenting. I point this factor, as there are a few things that can be forgiven. The first striking feature that attracted me towards the band is the rather simple cover for the album. I expected it to be bloody, dark with stretched fonts. But, this turned out to be the opposite. That is good as it gives me the impression that the band intends to be different. Even their name had the “A.D.” added only to mark themselves different from other bands that are known to share the same band name.

When anyone says, thrash metal to me, the genre table in my head spotlights Slayer Testament and Anthrax (to name a few). These bands were the pioneers of the genre. Frankly, I am one of those people who prefer to stick to the roots. Still, I handle experimentation quite well. For all those metalheads who are looking for old-school thrash metal bands, here is a quartet band that shall quench your thirst – Lazarus A.D. This can be a saviour for true thrash metal lovers since neo-thrash metal bands are/have been disastrous post their debut release.

Having written all this, let me also alert you all that there is nothing new in this album. Since, “most” of the musical elements are very old school and some guitar solos similar to Iron Maiden, you will not be happy for long. I mean, sure, you’ll be happy that there is a band that still plays old-school metal. But, the monotonous factor shall become evident after a few listens.

Beware; this is a re-release after been re-mastered by James Murphy (Death and Testament fame). Thus, there are distinct differences between the two albums. Undoubtedly, this is a great restart for a new band’s career.

The fusion between ‘80’s metal and modern metal elements such as guitar solos, duel vocals, high attitude lyrics and vocal style delivered with endless energy shall provoke anyone to own this album. It is old yet refreshing.

Highlights of the album: Last Breath, Thou Shall Not Fear, Revolution, Who I Really Am

Links: Lazarus on MySpace

Ratings: 6.5/10
Originality: 6
Instrumentation: 8
Lyrics: 6

Written for Headbangers India

Make sure to read to read my last song with Rick John - Winter Goodbye


Copyright © Ajey Padival 2009 (Brisbane, Australia; +61-434360675; ajeypadival@msn.com)

Lamb of God - Wrath (2009)

Genre: American Heavy Metal/Thrash Metal
Label: Epic Records
Country of Origin: USA
Band Formation: 1990
Band Members:
Vocals: David Randall Blythe
Guitars: Willie Adler and Mark Morton
Bass: John Campbell
Drums: Chris Adler

Song list:
01. The Passing
02. In Your Words
03. Set To Fail
04. Contractor
05. Fake Messiah
06. Grace
07. Broken Hands
08. Dead Seeds
09. Everything To Nothing
10. Choke Sermon
11. Reclamation

Run time: 45 minutes (approximately)

Review: Before the release of this album, Chris Adler alerted the band’s fans all around the globe via the press by saying this - “This album is going to surprise a lot of people…We chose a different path…We have topped ourselves…”. Let me bring your attention to two keywords in that line; surprise and different. Precisely, that is what this album is.

SURPRISE: “This band keeps on evolving” - I said so as I gave it a first easy listen. On my second listen, I detected a fusion between two major bands in the world Pantera + Machine Head = LoG’s Wrath. The technicality induced into their current release takes them to a new level. The vocals by Blythe have not alone managed to be harsh and brutal, but there are occasions when melodic lines have been brought out in a brutal fashion as he establishes to be one of the top-notch vocalists in the genre. Neck-breaking riffs, drastic tempo changes and good vocals contributes to some Grade-A metal here.

DIFFERENT: You can hear stuff ranging from head banging riffs to laid back melodic ones exposing the other side of the band, perhaps.

Now, I spoke to numerous specialists who expressed that this is LoG’s best and some said , “We cannot for sure nail this one to be their best as they might surprise us later on” which implies “Wrath” is their best till date. Or, is it? Well, I don’t think so.

Check out the first paragraph of this review. Let me reveal to you that I was going to add a big word there - “authentic”. You see, to me, LoG has been one of the most authentic bands in the thrash metal genre. To just spit it out – it is tending to lose it. And, sure, that is a good thing for a few as the American New Wave of music is influencing them so that they can prevail for a longer time. But, what about the authenticity factor?

I receive several e-mails for band recommendations in specific genres. And, I am pleased to reveal that there are quite a few people who inquire about old-school metal where is when the band remained loyal to the roots of the genre they played within. But, now, things have changed.

In this album, LoG adopts a song structure similar to this – verse-chorus-verse. Seems fine, doesn’t it? This frankly, pop-like song writing when continuously listened to in a metal album makes your head bang in fury. Let us establish this that LoG has never been keen on portraying themselves as an experimental band. Still, I appreciate their attempt to be experimental via this album. But, I certainly did not expect them to seek assistance from the pop side of music. The song structure renders to be so weak that after constant listening, the choruses go practically unidentified and unheard. LoG has been known for their infectious choruses. But, in this album they seemed to have quarantined it.

When Hybrid cars entered the market, efficiency was the keyword. Only when efficiency as a main criterion was fulfilled did the car become popular. LoG introduced Morton and announced him to be one of the best guitar players who is talented enough to play soulful pieces and head banging solos. Once a band does that, it is only normal for a listener to expect solos from such a guitar player. Umm, I did not find any in this album. Or, maybe they went unrecognised as it was devoid of that LoG factor.

Make no mistake; this album is not a cataclysm. It does have some good riffs and beats. In my opinion, the vocals, drums and bass line saves this album. The lyrics might sound quite silly. But, the delivery adds an oomph factor to it.

There are two tracks that have been restrictedly released yet. They call it the B-Side that carries the bonus tracks “We Die Alone” and “Shoulder of your God” which in my opinion could change the face of this review because of their superiority over the other common songs.

Precisely, yes, one might be happy with this album. To me, this is enjoyable but not memorable. The tracks are good but not great. This album is certainly not a star in their discography.

Highlights of the album: Reclamation, Dead seeds, Broken hands and Choke Sermon

Links: http://www.lamb-of-god.com/
http://www.myspace.com/lambofgod

Ratings: 7/10
Originality: 7
Instrumentation: 7.5
Lyrics: 6.5

Copyright © Ajey Padival 2009 (Brisbane, Australia; +61-434360675; ajeypadival@msn.com)