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M.A.D. (aka
Maniacal Area Damage) hail from Germany and have come up with a cracking
party metal album. Frontman Jochen S Bach's vocals are almost identical
to those of Bon Scott's which adds to the party rock vibe of the album.
Beginning with 'Don't Sell Your Soul', which is a sing-a-long paean to,
well, not selling your soul and staying true to good old Rock and Roll!!
Although sounding similar to AC/DC the tune is more than straightforward
Blues rock, as it has a heavier edge and an impressive bass-line high in
the mix.
'Night Crawler' follows (not a cover of the Judas Priest classic, by the
way) and keeps up the same formula as what went before ... a great rock
track, which actually could be the next chapter in the story of the
Night Crawler from the aforementioned Judas Priest track, which this is
not a cover of! A brilliant rhythm section and a heavy riff keeps
this track afloat, along with some impressive guitar work from six-stringer
Robert Mayer.
'Crown and Ring', a regal metal tune if there ever was such a
thing, is up next. With an anthemic chorus and lyrics about
storming a castle, this is about as battle metal as battle metal gets. Great
guitar work again in this one.
The Eastern-tinged 'Movin' On (Through Time)' is a mid-paced epic, with
excellent bass work and message to "Live for Today and Not
Tomorrow". Midway through the track the tune breaks down into
a rhythm led jam which adds to the epic feel.
'Mr Wannabe' starts with a short piano piece before bursting into
life into an Accept style full blown rocker. The piano comes back
into the mix and works well with the chugging riff that is present
throughout.
'The Warrior' kicks in straight after, with a memorable riff and chorus,
and some heavy drum work, whilst 'A Long Hard Road' is another tune that
wouldn't sound out of place on the latest AC/DC album, a decent hard
rocker with some great vocals.
'Bad Boy Boogie' follows, a bluesy sing-along with a sleazy riff to die
for, which is reminiscent of George Thorogood and The
Destroyers 'Bad To the Bone'! This is followed up with a storming
cover of Tina Turners 'Nutbush City Limits', and the album ends with the
understated 'Let The Days Go By' which features some great bluesy guitar
work and excellent vocals.
All in all this is a quality album with great production and some
memorable tunes. Highly recommended!!
Review
by: Dan
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