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Black Tide - Light From Above

Published May 31 2008


*
=Staff's pick

Shockwave*
Shout
Warriors Of Time*
Give Me A Chance
Let Me
Show Me The Way
Enterprise
Live Fast Die Young*
Hit The Lights (Metallica Cover)
Black Abyss
Light From Above*


Genre Heavy/Power Metal
Gabriel Garcia
Vocals
Tracks 11
Gabriel Garcia
Guitar
Runningtime 48 Min.
Alex Nunez
Guitar
Label Interscope Records
Zachary Sandler
Bass
Release 18 March 2008
Steven Spence
Drums
Country USA
-
Keyboard
Similar artists Death Angel, Trivium, Metallica

When I first heard about Black Tide, I again just assumed they were another Metalcore wannabee act in the vein of the overrated Bullet For My Valentine, Avenged Sevenfold, Atreyu, or Trivium vein. Man, was I wrong, these youthful, exuberant lads are the next Death Angel, the shockwave of true classic metal with subtle modern influences. Let me explain....

Debuting on a label like Interscope Records hardly screams a shout to metal sincerity, but these enterprising warriors of time really know how to play and write some very catchy songs. The obvious comparisons to Metallica, Megadeth, Testament, & Maiden are well noted, but Black Tide also upholds a real 80's penchant for other acts like Mötley Crüe, Twisted Sister, Guns 'N' Roses, & Skid Row.

Main vocalist/guitarist Gabriel Garcia is a real shredder on the rise. Every song is layered with classic guitar metal solos, and enticing riffs. Gabriel may not have a great voice, but he sings very clear, and there are absolutely no hardcore breakdowns. This is very reassuring, as even though I do like Shadows Fall, this style can still be a bit off putting.

Black Tide is not really thrash either, but they do play some fast tracks. There are no keyboards, and you get 100% quality metal melodies with some rather reassuring lyrics, even if not always grammatically correct ('Shout' uses the term 'ain't when don't is more appropriate). These boys may speak Spanish, but there is no excuse for poor English.

Jason Seucof offers quite a great deal of artistic expertise to the song writing, and this is what really makes a difference. Johnny K produced, mixed, and recorded the entire album. Standout tracks like 'Shockwave', 'Warrior Of Time', 'Live Fast, Die Young', and the title track are some excellent examples of true metal. Their take on Metallica's 'Hit The Lights' is very impressive, with solos I never heard in the original version.

Black Tide is not all that original, but given their age, and experience, I do recommend giving them a chance. These black weirdoes sure have shown me the way, to having a more open mind over metal!


Performance
Originality
Production
Vocals
Songwriting

8

7,5

8,5

6,5

8

 
Summary



8 chalices of 10 - Michael the MettleAngel


Related links:

www.blacktidemusic.com
www.myspace.com/blacktide