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Black Tide: Light From Above
Heavy Metal
Rating: 4.75/5.0

www.blacktidemusic.com
Interscope Records
www.myspace.com/blacktide

The young American metal band Black Tide is already creating quite a stir within this country. And they should. They create classy retro-influenced metal with a fresh sound. Put together the styles of Metallica, Iron Maiden, and Megadeth with good mix of Skid Row and Guns 'N Roses, and you have Black Tide delivering their own brand of melodic metal. In addtition to this historical depth, these youngsters have a boatload of experience playing Ozzfest opening for none other than Avenged Sevenfold, for example. With all members being under the age of twenty, they should be producing the same generic metal already sucking the American scene dry of it's lifeblood. Prepare for a metal transfusion: these guys are really good and hopefully the future of American metal.

Going deeper here, there are no shitty dirty vocals here; it's all guitar driven metal (yes, an American band that can actually solo!) with strong vocals (Gabriel Garcia is simply incredible) and an unbelievalby impressive rhythm section. From the first cut to the last you are treated to simply great headbanging metal. You're also thrown some good curves like the introductory guitar work on 'Warriors Of Time.' The song itself reminds me of Iron Maiden or Edguy. Other treats are the absolutely brilliant 'Enterprise,' 'Show Me The Way,' and 'Enterprise.' All have great vocal arrangements, melody, and sterling guitar work especially 'Show Me The Way.' Then there's a song like 'Live Fast Die Young' which holds forth the typical metal/rock philosophy, and sounds more like a hard rocker than straight heavy metal. But fret not the metal is there! Black Tide pays tribute to their peers and influences by covering Metallica's 'Hit The Lights.' And they do a damn fine job. This is the fast and energetic metal that we know and love. Let me also mention 'Black Abyss' which also tricks you up with its acoustic guitar interlude and yet still drives home classic heavy metal. This is fine stuff.

Black Tide may be the most exciting thing to hit the American metal scene since Guns 'N Roses. However, I predict a better future than their forbearers. This is great American metal; the way it should be done. Black Tide is a class act and 'Light From Above is a stunning debut. Very highly recommended! Get it now!

In Short

O yeah! There is hope for American metal! And that hope is Black Tide. 'Light From Above' is pure heavy metal with tons of melody and power. The draw strength from history including the likes of Metallica, Iron Maiden, and GNR. But their music is their own. Excellent!

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