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Powerdrive - Freedom Of Speech

Published June 05 2009


*
=Staff's pick

Final Chapter
Starting Over
Alive*
Self Determination*
Treat*
Laid To Rest
Blast*
Silver Bullet
Dead Silence
New Life
Untouchable


Genre New Thrash Metal
Robin Lundgren
Vocals
Tracks 11
Robin Lundgren
Guitar
Runningtime 47 Min.
Miguel Gayarre
Guitar
Label Killzone Records
Miguel Gayarre
Bass
Release 19 March 2009
Miguel Gayarre
Drums
Country Spain
-
Keyboard
Similar artists Alice In Chains, Soulfly, Annihilator

From the self determination, and combined awareness, just off the shores of Spain, unto the icy peaks of Sweden, comes the force blast of Powerdrive. Freedom Of Speech - is their debut album, and a remarkable accomplish for two mettle brothers, who just formulated the project over a year ago.

Powerdrive is the mastermind of the septentrional Robin Lundgren and the Castilian talent of Miguel Gayarre. Even though these two souls have never physically crossed paths, their minds and hearts have created quite a menagerie of modern and Classic style Metal, making adequate use of our current technology.

Surprisingly, they recorded this album in only a few months, from April until July, using the internet for correspondence. They would send the recorded files back and forth until it was completed, all the while enjoying every minute of the interchange. All the music was recorded in their own home studios, in both Sweden and Spain, utilizing proper use of pro tools and cubase.

The music is really difficult to describe, as it definitely leans towards a new thrash style, with some hints of '90's grunge; especially, Rage Against The Machine, Soundgarden and Alice In Chains. There are clearly some new metal influences, but the tried and true '80s essence still permeates. This is made evidently clear by the fact that every song is replete with sedulous soloing, and ridiculous riff arrangements.

Picture In Flames with Tierra Santa, or perhaps At The Gates with Baron Rojo. Better yet, envision Evergrey with Soulfly, you get the idea. This is definitely metal, but not every song will appeal to everyone.

Robin's vocals definitely sounds like a blend of Phil Anselmo salted with the late Layne Staley, with just a peppered hint of Ripper Owens. His guitar style is very much like Jerry Cantrell, Zakk Wylde, and Jeff Waters of Annihilator. I suppose fans of Black Label Society and Machine Head might find this tone and taste appetizing.

Miguel is left playing all the other instruments, and he does this with aptitude, and an accomplished flair. Asier Aranda and Ivan Gayarre have joined the band, after this album was recorded to play bass and drums, respectively. They will participate in the writing process of the next album, which is already being planned, and managed.

Final Chapter - gets the momentum going with a solid thrust, and powerful driving ambition. This is followed by - Starting Over - which also keeps the pulse steady.

Alive - shifts gears a bit, and draws the listener back in time to the era of: Frasier, flannel, and Seattle coffee sipping, insipid MTV overplay. The strident - Self Determination - begins with a radio tuning, and becomes a fine tune indeed, full of hostility, leaving my mouth agape for more. The bludgeoning - Blast - is a real treat of sonic thrash aggression.

The sweetness of - Treat - officiates with a somber sense of humility, and delivers with a reassuring bite of affectation. Silver Bullet - is not firing on all cylinders, and is the weakest song on the album. Once reloaded, the rest of the songs flow metallically.

The lyrics are quite thought provoking, and are positive, self sustaining, and seldom oblique. Call me an attudinized kibitzer, but normally this type of music would not really appeal to me, or affect me. If you like Disturbed or F5, this is right up your alley.

Perhaps it was Robin's constant uplifting, enthusiastic E-mails at My Space which cajoled me to give this band a listen, but I honestly feel they have something of merit to offer. For a debut, this is most impressive; even if not too groundbreaking.

The album is available from the small Texas label: Killzone Records. It is also on sale through I-tunes. Give them a listen, and decide if you want to lend your support.

Performance
Originality
Production
Vocals
Songwriting

7

6

7

7

7

 
Summary



7 chalices of 10 - Michael the MettleAngel


Related links:

www.myspace.com/powerdrivemetal