Yeah, it’s me….Mike. I’m actually writing a post on my own blog for once! Holy poop on a stick! So to give you an idea of how I approach music reviews, I’ll break down the process by which I critique.
- Mood: If I’m having a shitty day, I won’t actively listen to a CD for reviewing purposes. Just like any other activity you might enjoy, mood is an important component to giving a fair and respectful opinion.
- Preparation: I eliminate all distractions. TV off, cell phone off, headphones on.
- Listening: There’s a lot more to listening than just hearing. Does that make sense? I listen to an album a total of three times before I review (and on separate days). This gives me a chance to get familiar with the album as a whole. Sometimes you need the entire song list in order to understand what the band wanted to portray, musically. Some things I listen for include: Tone, tempo, time changes, phrasing, style, mood, musicianship, ability, etc etc.
- Critique: Opinion time!
The Showdown – Back Breaker (2008)
Okay before I get into the musical part of the review, I have to wonder what a “Christian Metal band from Tennessee” is doing writing a concept album based on Greek Mythology…blasphemy anyone? I’m sure you can throw an interview or two at me that I’ve clearly not taken the time to look up regarding this “concept”. Interesting indeed.
How would I describe The Showdown? Well, think Pantera, Lamb Of God, and Hatebreed thrown into the proverbial “Metal Mixer”. Bake at 350. Let cool. Top with generous helping of “Generic Hardcore Band Flakes”. Serve with blasphemy. Now that all of The Showdown fans reading this review are gone, let’s get down to business.
The recording quality is impressive. If you have a great stereo/headphones this is definitely an album that will have your metal taste buds active. Sonic ear candy.
The musicianship is what I’d expect from a band in this genre. Elements of Thrash, Metal, and Hardcore are present with an occasional tinge of southern groove. The Showdown doesn’t dabble in the land of odd time signatures. So for you headbangers out there who never took a music class in school, you’re safe. Honestly, everything here is boring. It’s well-executed, but boring. The guitar work is alright except for the lame, forced solos. Stick to dropped tunings and power chords, Josh. But your tone is badass! Thanks Peavey.
Back Breaker as a complete album gets the job done. If you’re in the mood to pump your fist in a fit of pit-forming metal, pop this in your CD player. You’ll definitely be making a forced “metal” face, stomping your foot, and headbanging…I know I was.
I think I’ll search for a torrent for them. Thanks for the review!
boring? harsh bro! hey we do what we do, get with me, let me explain myself. most of the songs are not downtuned for starters. being a christian doesnt exclude you from being interested in mythology for another. my tone is still the shit though. holler at me. should be interesting.
josh.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! SO FUNNY! You should talk to him, should be interesting. Once again, HAHAHAHA!