25-01-2010Album reviews - Charred Walls Of The Damned
Charred Walls Of The Damned - Released 1-2-10
Forming a so called super group does have its immediate advantages namely the time it takes to put in to the creation process and then the hot bed of talent available at your fingertips to present your vision. I mean to form a super-group you must already be a rock star right and to those guys the two above commodities are always in plentiful supply. 2009 saw a resurgence in the reformations and super-groups flexing their already well pumped muscles back to our attention. Step forward 'Charred Walls Of The Damned' the brain child of Richard Christy drumming legend of Death and Iced Earth and now of Howard Stern fame.
Although it was his drums that gave his status in musical circles he has been plying the guitar since '92 and put together the songs that form this debut self titled album. After a couple of years refinement in the distillery Christy recruited Tim 'Ripper' Owens, predominantly of Judas Priest fame whom he had known from their days together in Iced Earth. Add to this the technical mastery of bassist Steve Digiorgio also of Iced Earth and Death. The final piece of the puzzle comes in the form of long time friend and renowned producer Jason Suecof who has worked with numerous bands such as Trivium, All That Remains,August Burns Red, The Black Dahlia Murder and Daath to name a small few. Taking on both playing and recording duties having such a master of their art behind the desk in Suecof was a sure fire result to success and upon first listens its obvious as why Metal Blade have jumped on board.
A melodic metal symphonium, littered with thrash tendencies and soaring vocal hooks is issued from the opening of track 'Ghost Town'. The band of merry metallers seem to have thrown all eggs into this one basket showcasing technical ability in the forms of both guitars and bass taking numerous mid-song fret wanks. The riff's range from speedy thrash hooks into a more melodic breakdown laced with guitars and vocal notes that reside with the pigeons in the rafters. Closing with some well timed twin riffery before a final explosion of perfectly placed notation.
'From The Abyss' continues with epic guitars tweaked without caution to ring in the melody, double kicks keep the momentum and Owen's aptly suited voice rises into a significant point of notification. Not long in and were lambasted with a first mini-solo before the chorus cuts in. Just when the sections appear to becoming worn or repetitive there is enough change in direction subtly introduced. 'Creating Our Machine' has a greater thrash feel about it, going for guitars chugged in tandem and at pace before sweeping through a series of notes. 'Blood On Wood' begins with Digiorgio's fret less bass being pushed into unusual sequences and it continues throughout, using non standard changes in the riff structures. The song return to a form of normality in the chorus. Unique and well thought the songs unique vision is testament to having one mans idea at the helm and the collective basis to get you there.
The production is always bob on for the money, or labor of love as is the case with Suecof and maintains a clarity throughout but ushering in a feel of unease and grit during the darker moments of the songs. 'Manifestations' grabs you by the balls from the start, no nonsense and in a style somewhere between Iron Maiden and Cradle of Filth. The riffery is technical and tight all the time being driven by Christy's rhythmical pulsating drumming.
'The Drakest Eyes' has a moreover death metal feel to it, with a great influence coming from Christy's days behind the kit for legends Death amongst the others however the solo could be anything from Malmsteen and the thrash influence anything Bay and beyond. Closing on 'Fear in the Sky' blows any remaining pent up aggression the band had in the studio wide out into the open with a glorious verse of guitars shredding in unison. It's a fitting ending and one that leaves a lasting impression.
As bands of the super-group seem to often come and go it seems with Charred Walls Of The Damned we may have one that will stay a while. Whilst all members are prominent figures in the metal world none has underlying commitments that could heavily impact upon the brands growth. If Charred Walls of the Damned can take the potential shown with this first release and convey it live then we could be hearing a lot more from these guys in the future.
