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Metal, Metal, METAL and more METAL!!!! That's
the first thing that came into my mind as I heard the first
notes of "Denied". Actually, Carnival Diablos
is more like Melodic Thrash Metal, if there can be such
a thing.
The Performance: OK, so we all know
that Jeff Waters is "The Man" behind Annihilator,
but the guy that steals the show here is new vocalist (and
former Overkill guitarist) Joe Comeau who shows an incredible
metal range and can go from the demonic Slayer low to the
evil Dickinson growl to the piercing Halford high in a second,
without flinching. But never fear, Waters delivers and then
some as Carnival Diablos may very well be his best
work yet. Just listen to the beautiful "Liquid Oval"
and you will see just how much Jeff Waters has improved
both as a guitarist and a songwriter. Solid performances
are also provided by drummer Ray Hartmann, bassist Russell
Bergquist, and guitarist Dave Scott Davis.
The Songs: Carnival Diablos
is a thematic album meaning that all the songs are in the
same vein, lyrically that is. Musically, this is a diverse
album, yet it never strays from the Metal genre. There are
shades of Judas Priest, Overkill, Exodus, Black Sabbath,
and Iron Maiden. Highlights include the heavy "The
Perfect Virus", the aptly named "Epic Of War",
and the thrashy "Imsomniac".
The Production: The production could
have been much better as the album sounds mostly distorted
and muffled. I feel the album would have made more of an
impact if it had a cleaner production. The vocals especially
get buried occasionally.
Worthy of mention is the artwork on this album,
it just kicks ass, and it makes the album a very appealing
package to look at and have.
The Bottom Line: If it's In Your Face,
Ass-Kicking Metal that you're looking for, then Carnival
Diablos is for you. Listen to me... run to your nearest
store (or click one of the store links below), pick up Carnival
Diablos and PLAY THE MUTHA LOUD!!
Shred Pick - Carnival Diablos (5:08)
Reviewed by Henry
Bocanegra
Artist Web Site: www.annihilatormetal.com
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here to order this CD from
Click
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