2007-02-20
Cleveland's Wretch have been around for a long time, since the 80's, with a demo called "Rise To Power" way back in 1989, I don’t really know how did they used to sound back then, but this, the band's first full length release, is a real gem.
Musically this is your typical oldschool American power metal, reminiscent perhaps of early
Jag Panzer, it also brings to mind some
Metal Church and
Cage as well, as you can understand from the similarities, this can't be too bad, actually, it's great. The band does nothing to sound modern and hip, these guys just create classic metal the way it should be done, heavy, melodic, and aggressive.
From the thrashy "Mental Wars" all the main strengths are evident, a clear and crisp sound, excellent guitar work and a solid rhythm section, with some great vocals courtesy of Colin Watson, that has a good range, from mid-range melodic vocals to high pitched,
Halford-like screams. "Life" is probably on of my favorite tracks here, some great lead guitar work and a fantastic performance by Watson.
The title track is fine, seeping epic metal with heavy guitars and a strong chorus, pre-lead mid-bridge is impressive, and the lead following it is a masterpiece. "Eyes Of Faith" has a good
Iron Maiden-ish galloping guitar riff, and some old school group back vocals; Here Watson comes off as a gruffer version of ex-
Iced Earth frontman Mat Barlow. "Skin To Skin" is another good track, with some hard rocking riffs, and "I Am Storm" shows a harder and faster facet of the band's music, with a strong harmony lead in the middle, again, a winner.
The album also includes a cover version of Breaker's "'Till Death Do Us Part", a song from main songwriter Nick Giannakos's veteran band Breaker.
This album is just one of many examples why older men do it better, this is the way melodic metal should be done - heavy, catchy, and powerful - I hope this time the guys don't split up, they have some work in store for them.
Alon Miasnikov
