Screamer-What excites you

Self-produced
2008



This CD sat on my desk for a few weeks before I realized that this is the same band that recorded "Target Earth" way back in 1988. I have never heard that album, but I do know that it highly regarded. If it is anything like this album then I really need to track it down. Screamer hail from Wisconsin and this version includes 3/5 of the line-up that played on "Target Earth". The sound here is reminiscent of early progressive metal like pre-Rage for order Queensryche, early Fates Warning and Crimson Glory's first release. There is also some melodic metal similar to late 70's/early 80's acts like UFO and the Scorpions that is evenly blended in to the sound. This album sounds very much like metal from the 80's, but they manage to be fresh enough that it never feels dated. The melodies are well crafted and the vocals soar yet maintain enough of an edge to really work. The guitars on the album contain tight and furious riffs that manage to set the mood for every song. The solos are direct and some times they just blaze ahead like on the killer solo of "Black Valentine". Drummer Pat Hainault does a great job really laying down the heavy beats and he adds enough flair to his parts to really help the overall sound. Most of the tracks are about the same pace. Although I liked every song I couldn't help but wish they had varied the pace more at times. Other than that this a fantastic example of how solid playing and strong melodies can go together to create a blistering metal album.



www.myspace.com/screamertargetearth