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Benedictum: Seasons Of Tragedy
Heavy Metal (American)
Rating: 5.0/5.0

www.benedictum.net
Locomotive Music
www.myspace.com/benedictum

If you loved Benedictum's 2006 release 'Uncreation,' then you're going to go nuts over their sophomore release, 'Seasons Of Tragedy.' This work is braver and better than their first full-length accomplishment. Without a single doubt, Benedictum has found their identity and groove. This is there best work to date. Led by the aurally and visually (in other words, she's pretty hot) impressive vocalist, Veronica Freeman, Benedictum defines and delivers what American heavy metal should be: heavy, melodic, and untouched by current label trends. This is not 'pussy' metal or hard rock that most American record labels force feed you on VH1 or NoMusicTV. Benedictum is the real thing: no-holds-barred, stinging metal with great arrangements, vocals, guitar work, and most importantly, a single-minded identity above the American crowd. This is what America should be listening to and not that other dirt from the aforementioned sources.

Frankly, I cannot get over how good this album really is. Everything about it impresses to the point that I cannot pick favorite tracks without picking them all. Yet here are some highlights. 'Shell Shock' delivers the goods: basic heavy metal with great guitar licks. 'Burn It Out' offers speed and heaviness to totally satisfy. 'Beast In The Field' starts mellow with some a fine piano intro, and then rips into solid metal. 'Steel Rain,' a personal favorite, displays Ms. Freeman at her best: sultry, dynamic, and, at the same time, very assertive. The cover 'Balls To The Wall' is excellent and pure fun. Kudos to the whole band for updating this classic song. The final and title track, 'Seasons Of Tragedy' defines Benedictum as an American metal force to be reckoned with, very powerful stuff.

Run, don't walk to your favorite independent record store, and buy Benedictum's 'Seasons of Tragedy.' This is fantastic metal! Absolutely in the running for the March album of the month at dangerdog HQ. Highly recommended.

In Short

I've been waiting anxiously for Benedictum's sophomore release, and I was not disappointed. 'Seasons of Tragedy' is blistering melodic heavy metal from a great American band who outclasses most contenders in this country. Awesome metal!

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