CD Reviews: Page 6

Artist: Venom

Album: Resurrection

Label: SPV/Steamhammer

The Review: Remember back in the 80s when Glam Rock ruled the rock scene?  People would do their hair up in pretty styles, wear tight leather pants, and colorfull makeup (and mind you that was just the guys...).  Well, all that time there was a major underground metal scene that would concentrate on thrashin' and kickin' maximum ass every concert while wearing clothes that farmers would wear to work every day.  This scene was headed by bands like Metallica (man what happened), Anthrax, and of corse Venom.  This band has yet to change their style and I can honestly say that I am glad they haven't! Expect some of the best explosive thrash and grindy metal out there with some good old fashioned evil undertones on this disc.  A lot of times tradition in music can be cool and with Venom it is! Rock on dammit!

Recommended Radio Friendly Tracks: 2,3,5,7,9,10,12

Overall Grade: B+ MTPF 6/23/00

Artist: Iron Maiden

Album: Brave New World

Label: Columbia

The Review: Speaking of traditionalism...this metal legend is back after seven long years!
Tell you the truth it doesn't even seem like they have stopped for that long by the sound of this disc.  Its pretty much all the metal and more you could expect from them.  There are a few songs that are a bit slower but are still enjoyable.  However, we have to ask ourselves the question, in a rock world ruled by bands like Korn, Limp Bizkit, and Slipknot could Iron Maiden get swallowed up?  Tell you the turth, I think the younger rock fans will prefer a Jonathan Davis scream over a Bruce Dickinson wail any day but then again, lets not make a blanket statement shall we.  Either way for what its worth, this CD won't let Maiden fans down!

Recommended Radio Friendly Tracks: 1,5,7,8

Overall Grade: B- MTPF 6/23/00

Artist: Ultraspank

Album: Progress

Label: Epic

The Review: Have you ever listened to a band before and thought to yourself, "Theres something about this band I just don't like but I can't put my finger on it."  Thats what I was thinking the whole time I reviewed this CD.  I don't know what it is but this band just isn't catchy.  Just when you think a song is going to be heavy (or vice versa)  the lead singer either changes the pace by going mellow (or crazy).  The music itself has the same problem.  At times it seems like its going to be an industrial flavor then it turns into a rock song.  All the while you try to keep  from yelling outloud...MAKE UP YOUR F**KING MIND DAMMIT! Anyhow...oh well...at least its better than the new Pearl Jam. 

Recommended Radio Friendly Tracks: 1,3,6,10

Overall Grade: C- MTPF 6/23/00

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