In recent light of more down to earth guitar crunch melodies invading the metal scene, many headbanging aficionados have taken a liking to this more straightforward approach to metallic ear candy. In the light of albums such as the Ben Jackson Group, Russell Allen's Atomic Soul, and Baltimoore, the straight ahead rockin' factor has been well welcome. But it's not like those guys are just getting on stage and rocking out, they too bring a technical approach to their thick wall of sound, and Ohio's
Aftershok is no exception.
Blistering out with sub progressive guitar slinging, hook laden melodies, and a no bullshit approach to metal, they bring forth both the vibe of bands such as
Saxon and Circus of power, sort of crossing the NWOBHM vibe with the aggression of biker metal and
Burning Chrome becomes true to it's name as to what the record will entail.
Cuts such as "
Sons of Thunder," "
Livin' on the Redline," and "
Bombs Away" have that quick paced upbeat tempo that provides the grinding guitar crunch throughout the record with straight ahead raucous rock and roll. Then again, these guys know how to endure into gloomier pastures with tracks such as "
The Gathering," "
Dream Maker," and "
Riot" where the song structure is more in apt more syncopated rhythmic patterns and drawn our guitar riffs; not to mention that they add a sense of gloom to an otherwise vigorous record.
Vic Hix's vocals have the same resonant tenor that Stryper's Michael Sweets has; add scruffiness and you've got it (although they do sound somewhat "dry/upfront", we could use a little delay or reverb here). But it is mainly the sense of melody and guitar work that is center stage with this band, granted they know how to portray the heavy metal attitude with their music. It's easy to see that they probably get the crowd riled up during their live shows. It's also good to see that they don't incorporate the "sleaze metal" element into their music (possibly cloning Tokyo Dragons or Beautiful Creatures). So without a doubt,
Aftershok pertains to the "fist in your face" metal tradition.
Written by
Hashman Sunday, February 5, 2006
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