2008-05-24
Vendetta's Tyranny Of Minority is a prefect example of a band that sounds as if it existed since the 80's, and this is it's 10
th album.
It's actually this British band's debut, but among the band's members are serious veteran metal musicians, their vocalist/guitarist – Edward Box was in XLR&R in the early 90's, as was bassist Gary Foalle, while the rest of that band went on to Mantas.
Musically the band creates a combination of melodic thrash with more traditional heavy metal in a strong 80's vein, heavy and catchy guitar riffs, rather high-pitched and melodic vocals by the excellent Box, all wrapped together by a meaty 80's sound that fits the band perfectly.
After the requisite instrumental intro the band charges head-0n into Generation Kill, a real melodic metal anthem with some seriously good guitar riffs and a catchy chorus vocal courtesy of Box. This is exactly the kind of retro-metal that I like, it's well aware if itself, does not try to be something it's not, and it’s very expertly done.
Next is I Executioner, one of the heaviest tracks on the album, coming off like some classic US power metal, the lead guitar section here really shows-off the playing ability in the band, and the pre-chorus by Box sounds rather influenced by 70's prog rock, it comes together very well. Transcendence Part I is a slow-tempo track, not one of my favorites since I'm usually more into the faster cuts, but it still maintains the band's signature quality of writing and playing.
Golden Boy's guitar riff really bugged me, it sound familiar and it took me a few moments to place just what it reminded me – Queensryche's I Don't Believe In Love. It's still a great song that sound nothing like that classic track, but the similarity in the riff is there.
I can go on the say that there's not one weak track in here, the album just keeps throwing in strong songs based on great guitar hooks, solid rhythm section and Box's fantastic delivery. I also have to mention Plastic God, one of the best tracks in here, the post-chorus guitar/bass riff section is very Iron Maiden'ish, and it's followed by one of the best melodic guitar leads I've heard in awhile, and the next cut – Bones To Dust is easily the heaviest track on the album.
I hope people will find this band and recognize it's greatness, very few classic metal bands out there are doing stuff which is as well put together and strong as these guys do.
Alon Miasnikov
