Off Topic
Talk about anything NOT related to Metal in here.
119 topics in this forum
-
- 151 replies
- 7,927 views
-
Horror Films 1 2 3 4
- 88 replies
- 2,379 views
-
- 12 replies
- 425 views
-
- 2 replies
- 113 views
-
- 2 replies
- 160 views
-
- 3,026 replies
- 45,150 views
-
- 20 replies
- 679 views
-
- 522 replies
- 12,698 views
-
- 60 replies
- 3,248 views
-
- 286 replies
- 12,097 views
-
- 1,301 replies
- 25,767 views
-
- 25 replies
- 1,243 views
-
- 29 replies
- 1,384 views
-
- 603 replies
- 13,294 views
-
- 0 replies
- 345 views
-
- 51 replies
- 4,757 views
-
- 56 replies
- 1,943 views
-
- 911 replies
- 16,588 views
-
- 37 replies
- 1,901 views
-
- 2 replies
- 224 views
-
- 830 replies
- 17,070 views
-
- 1 reply
- 266 views
-
- 3 replies
- 307 views
-
- 81 replies
- 3,500 views
-
- 21 replies
- 1,155 views
-
Join Metal Forum
-
Our picks
-
Sacred Reich "Awakening"
MacabreEternal posted a blog entry in Album Reviews,
Whichever tier of thrash metal you consigned Sacred Reich back in the 80's/90's they still had their moments. "Ignorance" & "Surf Nicaragura" did a great job of establishing the band, whereas "The American Way" just got a little to comfortable and accessible (the title track grates nowadays) for my ears. A couple more records better left forgotten about and then nothing for twenty three years. 2019 alone has now seen three releases from Phil Rind and co. A live EP, a split EP with Iron Reagan and now a full length.
Notable addition to the ranks for the current throng of releases is former Machine Head sticksman, Dave McClean. Love or hate Machine Head, McClean is a more than capable drummer and his presence here is felt from the off with the opening and title track kicking things off with some real gusto. 'Divide & Conquer' and 'Salvation' muddle along nicely, never quite reaching any quality that would make my balls tingle but comfortable enough. The looming build to 'Manifest Reality' delivers a real punch when the song starts proper. Frenzied riffs and drums with shots of lead work to hold the interest.
There's a problem already though (I know, I am such a fucking mood hoover). I don't like Phil's vocals. I never had if I am being honest. The aggression to them seems a little forced even when they are at their best on tracks like 'Manifest Reality'. When he tries to sing it just feels weak though ('Salvation') and tracks lose real punch. Give him a riffy number such as 'Killing Machine' and he is fine with the Reich engine (probably a poor choice of phrase) up in sixth gear. For every thrashy riff there's a fair share of rock edged, local bar act rhythm aplenty too.
Let's not poo-poo proceedings though, because overall I actually enjoy "Awakening". It is stacked full of catchy riffs that are sticky on the old ears. Whilst not as raw as perhaps the - brilliant - artwork suggests with its black and white, tattoo flash sheet style design it is enjoyable enough. Yes, 'Death Valley' & 'Something to Believe' have no place here, saved only by Arnett and Radziwill's lead work but 'Revolution' is a fucking 80's thrash heyday throwback to the extent that if you turn the TV on during it you might catch a new episode of Cheers!
3/5-
Reputation Points
- 3 replies
-
-
Immortal Bird "Thrive on Neglect"
MacabreEternal posted a blog entry in Album Reviews,
I-
Reputation Points
- 1 reply
-
-
Vltimas 'Something Wicked Marches In'
MacabreEternal posted a blog entry in Album Reviews,
https://www.metalforum.com/blogs/entry/52-vltimas-something-wicked-marches-in/-
Reputation Points
- 3 replies
-
-
Queensryche "The Verdict"
MacabreEternal posted a blog entry in Album Reviews,
https://www.metalforum.com/blogs/entry/50-queensryche-the-verdict/-
Reputation Points
- 0 replies
-
-
Candlemass "The Door to Doom"
MacabreEternal posted a blog entry in Album Reviews,
https://www.metalforum.com/blogs/entry/48-candlemass-the-door-to-doom/
-
Reputation Points
- 1 reply
-
-