Mr. Blackwell--Mr. Blackwell (1995)
Rating--8.8
Lies--RealAudio Killing Machine--RealAudio
From the heart of North Carolina (proudly) comes a fine-tuned, vastly underrated metal machine. Mr. Blackwell rocks in the vein
of Pantera and Priest, with other influences mixed in as well. However, by
their second album, they will forge a sound that is original and metal-tasty to the last drop.
Heavy riffs and grooves, and while
fast, more power metal than speed. See the second album review for more direct comparisons.
Just about every one of the
nine songs is a cartilage-crunching highlight, as "Let Me Live" starts things off in no-nonsense fashion. "Domain" follows up to showcase
the band's stop-and-go riff and groove style that they strut so well live. "Life (The Pit)" starts out in an Anthrax-y vein,
before giving way to a more rapid-fire Pantera sound.
The second half of the disc continues the bliss, as you absolutely have to experience
those damn PULL-OFFS in the chorus of "Lies"! Couple those with the stutter riffs that immediately follow, and you have pure songwriting talent. Nothing
particulary technical about it, but so few bands can do it as well. And those that can are selling mega-albums. You make the connection....
"Killing Machine" is just that, and is probably my all-time fave from the band, as it's also the first song I ever heard from them.
Cruises along like a heavier version of Kiss's "War Machine", but with the same apocalyptic, all-ending feel. A masterpiece!
HOT CHOPS: Check out the slow-down at 1:30 of "Free". An excellent groove/pace; classic Blackwell.
Along with Edwin Dare, these guys are
my favorite band without a major deal--as well as being the most deserving.
TRACK LIST: Let Me Live/Domain/Smoke Screen/Life (The Pit)/Lies/Writing on the Wall/Free/Killing Machine/Blind (Leading
the Blind)
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