Against The Elements
(Metal Blade Records)
46:47min
It’s really difficult for me to come up with any criticism that truely makes sense regarding this release as everything was done so properly – the packaging, the production, the musicianship, the harmonies etc. Still, I don’t really like “Against The Elements” as this six piece from Massachusetts / USA just offers the same type of melodic Death Metal that zillions of European acts already came up with throughout the last couple of years. Don’t get me wrong – the melodies are incredibly strong (just like IRON MAIDEN the band plays with three guitars!) and always catchy as hell, the vocals somewhere between Hetfield and Petrozza and the rhythm section completes the overall positive picture with the necessary drive and power. It’s just that the whole Melodic Death Metal genre personally started to bore me very quickly and I lost interest in this style. In case you see things differently and the MAIDEN meets KREATOR type sound is still highly enjoyable for you make sure to get yourself a copy of this debut album as well – quality and satisfaction guaranteed!
Frank Stöver