"American Blitzkrieg"
Apocalypse Records
By Vinnie Apicella Well this is a new twist… the opening title track features a bit of a rap overlaying some interesting droning effects and pushy backing vocs in the spirit of WAR-and what is it good for… right, absolutely nothing! Here's a real anthemic pounder that signifies a much heavier groove than I remember-it's like "Bang go the Bells" times ten, only this time, all's not quite so well! An interesting first cut, but I'm not sure where I stand with it personally… but they have moved on. I think one thing listening to this new disc-their first in quite some time, is reminding me that Babylon A.D., though they came out in a time where melodic hard rock and showmanship was running rampant, they always packed a heavy punch and moved often enough away from those atypical pop-like tendencies that never fit comfortably well with the whole concept of metal. "Magic Mary" sets down the ground rules here as the second track and again, there's this in and out vibe-a verse that bobs and weaves efficiently like a boxer trying to avoid contact while making the jabs they do throw mean something. Yes, this one's got the groove… let's move on. The overall sound's a lot stiffer than before-they definitely have not made the same album twice here so if you're looking for a complete nostalgia trip, you'll have to dig pretty deep to find it. Sure there are many of the same elements present from the past-this is the same group, but they've done well to move forward while maintaining their strengths and identity. The recording's done very low-barely above ground level it seems, and there's little in the way of catchiness… bits and pieces can be found however with the likes of "Sinking in the Sand" which boasts a potent chorus and gritty guitar groove. The first ballad makes its way about halfway through but for me it's too late… I'm already past the point of complete aggravation! I like the song though-the melody they'd been saving up all this time really shines through on this one-"The Sky's Falling" and so why am I enjoying it so much? With a title like "American Blitzkrieg," the suggestive influence is that it would possess a slightly darker more aggressive direction, which they've done-and it works well for them. |
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