Obsession - Carnival Of Lies
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Smoking Gun* |
| Genre | Classic Metal |
Michael Vescera
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Vocals
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| Tracks | 12 |
Scott Boland
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Guitar
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| Runningtime | 51 Min. |
John Bruno
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Guitar
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| Label | Metal Mayhem Music |
Chris McCarvill
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Bass
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| Release | 12 July 2006 |
Jay Mezias
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Drums
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| Country | USA |
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Keyboards
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| Similar artists | Malice, Liege Lord, Lizzy Borden | ||
Out of the shadows of steel, causing such a panic in the streets, ready to take no prisoners, and bang 'em 'til they bleed - through their methods of madness; scarred for life, by the killer elite. New Haven's Obsession are in for the kill, returning to their hatred unto death dirge, with this carnal phial - the offering of pure evil - written in blood. Having been accused of being too weak by speed metal advocates, and often misunderstood by soft core rockers, all these years, this New England 80's power metal kiss, dominate and defy - just like Judas - whose obsession and too wild to tame mentality left him guilty as charged for supposed high treason. Obsession were never a glam band, they were straight forward in your face classic mettle. Like Lizzy Borden and Liege Lord they played fast and furious melodies with animated vocal vicissitudes. The marshall law of screaming guitars guarantees that the winner take all and only the strong survive. On the new CD this seriosity surges forth once again like the smoking gun having just fired off a bulletin of evil in the horizon.
The new CD Carnival Of Lies, self produced and engineered by vocalist extraordinaire, Mr. Michael Vescera, easily sounds as if it could have been released 20 years ago. Michael's soldier of fortune fortitude is again evidenced by his reign of termagant range; his utter loudness. Original demolition drummer, Jay Mezias, masterfully mandates his mark and martial demonstrating his pounding pose after several enuring years on the hard road. New to the camp kill, twin axe merchants Scott Boland and John Bruno, who played as MVP's with Michael on his solo release - The Altar - continue the classic Obsession execution. playing dead on with the original style. They mesh so well together. There are solos a plenty, and many majestic, ripping riffs. Bassist Chris McCarvill maintains the rhythm imagining every factor exactly.
Michael Vescera has held quite an outstanding career as a guest vocalist contributing his talent to the likes of Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Joe Stump's Reign Of Terror, and singing on two CDs with Loudness. Joe Stump reciprocates his guitar guile by playing solos on the new CD on tracks like Playing Dead, Judas, and the title track. Guitar virtuoso Robert Marcello also adds his lick and promise with a solo on Imagining and the title track, sharing center stage with Joe Stump.
Perhaps I may be taking my chances or even losing my mind; but I believe that Michael's best vocal effort has always been with Obsession. When I met him a few years back, singing for Joe Stump. I interrogated him, pleading with him to reform Obsession. Dr. Sin's safe haven held diligence for my fervour and familiarity for his former outfit. He must have given it serious thought, as now four years later our dream is now a reality.
Sadly, the new Obsession is self-released, as Metal Blade was not interested in the band. Personally, I don't quite understand how Metal Blade Records, who once had such an incredible roster of raw talent 20 years ago, has now passed on the likes of Lizzy Borden, Omen, Nasty Savage, and now Obsession. It's their loss!
In the end, almost every song on Carnival Of Lies is classic Obsession. There are even updated versions of Marshall Law and In For The Kill from their '83 demo. Japanese fans will be treated to a new version of Panic In The Streets, while we get the killer cut Judas. The only song which is not totally rulin' is the mid-paced anthem Imagining, which has more of a Queensryche - Empire - I Don't Belong - bygone feel to it. Still, this is far from being a ballad. Guilty As Charged is slower, yet it has powerful solos. Essentially, this CD is 100% Obsession. If you loved this band in the '80s, then you will definitely want to get your tickets and get in the line for the carnival.
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Production
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Vocals
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Compositions
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8 |
9 |
8 |
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Summary
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8,5 chalices of 10 - Michael the MettleAngel |
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