Devil Music

I finally managed to procure a copy of Dickinson's Tyranny of Souls after going to no less than five stores since Thursday. It's a winner, regardless of the fact that it has that "up against the wall" sound of all music these days.

If you're a fan of the direction Bruce took on Accident of Birth and The Chemical Wedding, pick this one up. It's a more modern version of Iron Maiden - riffs (even in harmony) and solos galore, but with a downtuned, sludgier tone. Putting mastering issues aside for a moment, it's clear Roy Z still knows how to produce an album that old school metalheads will embrace. I think Bruce's singing is finally starting to slip (he couldn't keep it up forever), but it's not apparent unless you're really paying attention.

While in the store I also decided to add Slayer's Show No Mercy and Hell Awaits to my collection. On a quick listen they're spiffy. Yes, the production is standard 80s thrash (i.e. lots of reverb), but don't let that distract you from giving these a listen. Mercy reminds me of Metallica's debut, Kill 'Em All, for some peculiar reason, and Hell Awaits is proto Reign In Blood all the way.