“The Reckoning” is the sophomore
studio album from the heavy metal band F5.
This album continues the accomplishments from their debut “A Drug
For All Seasons” and it promises to continue in the future.
When F5 started in 2003 the goal they set out from the start was to be "to
be heavy, but always melodic". They have achieved this successfully,
while improving on their first album. Thrashy hard rock would be a good
way to describe their sound. Some elements are reminiscent of bands like
Sevendust, Disturbed and Filter, but ultimately F5 construct their songs
in their own manner.
With an excellent rhythm section their experience and expertise shows off
on this disc. Bassist Dave Ellefson (Megadeth, Soulfly, Temple of Brutality,
Ministry, Killing Machine) and drummer Jimmy DeGrasso (Megadeth, Suicidal
Tendencies, Y&T, Alice Cooper, MD.45) certainly know what they are doing.
The rest of the band follows suit in creating songs that are written well
and pleasing to your ears. What else would you expect?
Overall the music is rhythmically heavy. Key elements in their compositions
are the melodic lead riffs, catchy pounding riffs that are used with full
effect, and the passionate vocals. Mixed into this heavy concoction is a
nice layer of progressive elements, which pushes the dynamics further on
“The Reckoning.” The rhapsodic solos are another worthy mention.
Ryan Greene produced “The Reckoning”. The well-versed producer
has worked with bands such as Chimera, Sick Of It All, NOFX, Lita Ford and
many more. He has more than the know-how; he has the proficiency of a top
of the line computer.
Lots of the tunes on “The Reckining” are radio quality or friendly,
especially the choruses, but also have a heavy punch. This band has the
ability of grabbing fans from the member’s previous efforts and at
the same time to gain many new ones. I’m rather pleased with the outcome,
and look to hearing many more new songs in the coming years!
Rating: 85
Reviewed By: Jeffrey D. Adkins |
Second Review:
Hard rock and metal fans alike will get something
out of this album. Featuring David Ellefson (Megadeth / Soulfly / Temple
of Brutality) and Jimmy De'Grasso (Megadeth / Suicidal Tendencies / Alice
Cooper) this album unlike the band's debut 'A drug for all seasons' is taking
F5 fans on a heavier
journey, which will be enjoyed by all! The artwork is much darker and more
appropriate than that on 'A Drug for All Seasons' and the imagery compliments
the darker and heavier direction that the band has taken musically. The
band worked with Ryan Greene who produced their debut CD and he has once
again done an amazing job of getting the best out of a bunch of musicians
we have grown to love overtime! Musically I found myself comparing 'The
Reckoning' to so many bands; one will be reminded of bands such as Megadeth,
Alice cooper as well newer acts such as Sevendust and Disturbed. 'The Reckoning'
kicks off with a great opening track… 'No Excuse'! There is some amazing
guitar work throughout this song. 'No excuse' is the perfect opener to an
album that progresses with every track. 'I am the Taker' is a song that
you will find yourself head banging along too within seconds of the opening
riffs. Dale Steele's vocals are much more impressive and even more enjoyable
than on the bands previous album. Dale certainly shines through on what
I am calling the best song on the album… 'Love is Dead'. From the
first time I heard this song, I fell in love with it! There is no doubt
that this song should be pushed as one of the singles from 'The Reckoning'.
Dale sounds amazing on this track, the guitar work is heavy and blues based
and the rhythm partnership of Ellefson and De'grasso is music to my ears!
I urge you all to play this one LOUD! 'Wake Up' is another one of the great
tracks from the band's new album and musically is much more current sounding
and will be loved by fans of bands such as Disturbed and Sevendust; I loved
the little classical influenced guitar piece before breaking into the killer
metal solo! After listening to this album on heavy rotation for the past
two weeks there isn't one song on 'The Reckoning' that I didn't like! 'Control'
is another one of my favorite tracks which I can't help but to play loud
and sing along with, fans of all forms of metal will enjoy this track! Closing
the album is 'Final Hour' which in my opinion was the best way to end such
an amazing metal album! No doubt Megadeth fans will hear some similarities
in this one and the guitar work is phenomenal. I couldn't imagine a cooler
song to finish up with! The Reckoning is a metal album which will appeal
to fans in their teens and it will certainly appeal to the older metal fans
that grew up thrashing to Ellefson and crew during the eighties. Before
the 'Final Hour', take a trip 'Through Hell' blasting F5's 'The Reckoning'!
There is a very good chance that this album will make my top ten for the
year! 'The Reckoning' is due out August 19; grab your copy where all killer
metal albums are sold.
Rating: 90
Reviewed By: Cameron Edney
- http://www.myspace.com/insideout666ints
|
