|
Belladonna's second
'solo' release and first for DeRock records, "Spells of Fear,"
is a definite evolution from his past work. Having recruited a new
band of accomplished musicians that features guitarist extraordinaire
Peter Scheithauer recently of Stream and Stet Howland from the W.A.S.P.
camp, Belladonna's retained a solid blend of prior metal influences
and mixed 'em with a crude form of production-performed by an obviously
"still green" Joey himself.
In drawing comparisons to his earlier achievements, there really are
little to be made. Anthrax fans might be expecting the voice of such
'hits' as "Madhouse" and "Indians" to build on the nostalgia trip
that the 80's metal resurgence has afforded the best of yesteryear
to fall back into, but such is not the case here.
If anything, Belladonna's newest record leans slightly toward
the direction his former mosh-crazed counterparts have dived into-it
must be understood that I did say "slightly"-and less patterned after
his self-titled, straight ahead metal release from a few years back.
Scheithauer's guitar chops are immense and he does possess a certain
flare for working over the fretboard that's refreshing to hear today,
and everybody who's familiar with the latest music from W.A.S.P. couldn't
have missed the stellar drum machine-like engine that Howland operates
behind the kit. Add to this, new bassist Fleisch, who's pronounced
basslines provide a raw upheaval between Belladonna's sharp
vocal octaves and the tuned-down crunch of the guitar that presents
more of a doom-like atmosphere, and you get a pretty clear idea of
how this album predates anything Belladonna's done before.
In listening to songs like "Face You," where every place he looks,
he "has to," and "Lost Control," it's easy to hear how this album
was constructed from a point of view that's profoundly self-reflective
or personal in nature. The songs generally range from low-paced and
moody to edgy and intensive and for the most part build on the strong
points of Belladonna, both as a songwriter and a smooth vocalist.
I think if we could leave out songs five through eight, the leftover
remains would have the makings of a high impact success. "Spells
of Fear" nonetheless, is a step forward for the band in musical
prowess, and takes the Belladonna style of metal to a new level.
Released by DeRock Records.
Review by Vinnie Apicella.
|
