Hades--The Downside

Hades--The Downside (2000/Metal Blade) Rating--8.3

These 80s metal stalwarts began their comeback with the 1999-released 'SaviorSelf,' and take another huge step forward now with 'The Downside'. Hailing from Jersey, this is good, old-fashioned metal in many places. There are some Testament sounds, as well as classic Priest tinges. Strong, high-range vocals add to the scene, as Alan Tecchio (who once sang for Watchtower) shifts between a Tim Owens feel to the occasional gruffness of Chuck Billy.
The building "Ground Zero N.Y.C." opens the disc, and "Align the Planets" descends with the first of several nasty grinds. Excellent vocal wailing is placed over the crunchy "Pay the Price," and both "Bitter" and "Shove It" are good.
The smooth "Hail to the Thief" has that late-70s Priest swagger feel. Overall, a rather impressive showing by Hades.
TRACK LIST: Ground Zero N.Y.C./Align the Planets/Bitter suite #1/Hoax/Pay the Price/Hail to the Thief/Shove It/It's a Wonderful Lie/Become Dust/Responsible/ The Me That Might Have Been/Ground Zero (reprise)

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