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Vicious Rumors - Warball

Published Dec. 15 2006


*
=Staff's pick

Sonic Rebellion*
Mr. Miracle
Dying Every Day
Immortal
Warball
Crossthreaded*
Wheels Of Madness*
Window Of Memory
A Ghost Within*
Oceans Of Rage


Genre Classic Metal
James Rivera
Vocals
Tracks 10
Geoff Thorpe
Guitar
Runningtime 43 Min.
Thaen Rasmusen
Guitar
Label Mascot Records
Brad Gillis
Guitar
Release 02 Oct. 2006
Dave Starr
Bass
Country USA
Larry Howe
Drums
Similar artists Helstar, Killing Machine, Lizzy Borden

After over 25 years of crushing the world with their sonic rebellion and sadistic ballistics, Santa Rosa's soldiers of the night continue to vitiate vicious rumors with metallic motions of rage. These immortal digital dictators still stand on the cutting edge of reason, always going against the grain, ready to fight, march or die every day. Mainstay member and overall hellraiser Geoff Thorpe, has recaptured the very essence of his band, right down to the tempo; so, welcome To The Warball!

Returning to the ranks to celebrate the iniquitous hearsay are drummer Larry Howe and bassist Dave Starr. Both musicians had previously abandoned the ship of fools, but return to rekindle the burning glory. Both men contributed some of their outstanding talent when the voice of Carl "The Ace" Albert served as their frontman. After this villain and ruffian's tragic death in 1995, Vicious Rumors lost some of their momentum. Now they are back in full-force with their best effort in over a decade; proving that you only live twice!

The first radical change is the addition of the vocal talent extraordinaire of James Rivera, whose distinct thunderous screams elevate the band to a new destiny's end. James is the caustic war balladeer with his eerie and shrill stealth echoing his will of madness and malice. The next dramatic bolt from the blue thunder occurs when one discovers that Geoff "The Cyberchrist" Thorpe has enlisted the devil's sympathy by bringing Brad Gillis - the night ranger - into the fold, thus proving that you can still rock in America!

Also contributing to the licks and promise is guitarist Thaen Rasmussen who plays on tracks 2,7, & 8 and who will serve as the touring guitarist. Thaen now protracts the lasting legacy of accomplished guitarists who have served time in this band, burning and brandishing their axes, including Vinnie Moore, Steve Smyth (ex-Testament, Nevermore, Dragonlord), and current Lizzy Borden American metal axeman - Ira Black.

This new CD is crossthreaded with tight riffs, intensely stitched solos, and blazing vocal harmonies. Brad Gillis substantiates the secret of his success with serious shredding guile. Beginning with the scorching Sonic Rebellion, right through the next three blistering beauties, Brad Gillis slips and slices each cut like a cunning, twisted sister christening the chords of chaos. James "Angel Of Death" Rivera's reaper percussions crush like Halford's Killing Machine, as he bays to the almighty burning Helstar. Many remnants of Warball uphold the retentive, scrupulous and scurrilous chants of Nosferatu and his Seven Witches. Every song is a winner, with Wheels Of Madness being one of my favourites. A Ghost Within also never ceases to amaze me.

Immortal is punishing and picks up where the self-named 2004 demo left off; although, the songs on that release had more of a modern Nevermore flavour to them; whereas, these new tracks ooze with old school lineage. Crossthreaded is another sure fire sulfur searing cut; ensuring terror on the town . This stitch in time features Geoff on vocals, and easily recalls the style of Digital Dictator or Menace To Society by Lizzy Borden. Oceans Of Rage, another pulsating blitz, has an ongoing duet between Geoff and James. While they trade off vocal lines, Geoff fulminates, while James rocks the cradle of filthy onlookers, with his soul perseverance and desparation.

The title track itself is more epic and slower, but still it manages to uphold a belligerent beat. Windows Of Memory is a very personal acoustic power ballad dealing with the inevitable passing of the father figure; something to which I now can personally relate, given my own painful theatrical tragedy.

Mr. Miracle Geoff Thorpe and Juan J. Urteaga do all the production, and for an independent release, I'm quite impressed. The running length is a bit laconic, but this allows for multiple rotations and better enjoyment; since the music is ever consistent and quite infectious. If you once adored this band in the 80's, or if you are a fan of any number of James Rivera's argosy of artistic artisan,, then I implore you to obtain this CD. The packaging is decent including lyrics and band photos. So now the Warball is in your court, don't wait for me to coax or cajole, buy this now for yourself or your metal brethren; who said there's no presents for Christmas?

See also review of: Electric Punishment

Production
Vocals
Compositions

8

9

8

 
Summary



8,5 chalices of 10 - Michael the MettleAngel


Related links:

www.viciousrumors.com
www.therealvr.com