Titanic-Screaming in silence

Retroactive
2002/2010


Like with "Maiden Voyage" this Titanic re-issue has also gotten new artwork plus it has been re-mixed, re-mastered and Robert Sweet of Stryper came in to lay down real drum tracks. This one cuts like a knife as it's far more direct than "Maiden Voyage". The opener "And the band played on" is a solid smack in the face with and it sets the tone for the entire album. Vocalist Simon Tyler has a style that varies between a smooth stride and heavy attacks. He is proficient and handling both styles. Robert Sweet is everywhere knocking out beats all over the place and pounding his drums into submission. Bass player Ray Kilsdonk fits it perfectly with Sweet laying down the beats and keeping the pace. The real star of the show is undoubtedly guitarist/songwriter Bill Menchen. He pulls out riffs that roll you over and keep coming. His tones are deep and flow throughout the album. I pretty like Menchen's playing on most of his projects, but the solos on this album are some of the best I have heard him create. On every opportunity he is on top of the solos shredding his heart out. The overall sound is like a blend between Judas Priest, Accept, Dio and other mid-late 1980's metal acts. Bill Menchen has been involved with numerous projects and each has recorded several albums, but this is certainly one of my albums that he has done so far.

Titanic-Maiden Voyage

1996/2010
Retroactive

The original version of this album came out in 1986. This new version includes new artwork and has been re-mixed, remastered and partially re-recorded. Robert Sweet was brought to provide what they refer roas "real" drums. So I am guessing that they used a drum machine the first time around.This one of several projects for guitarist/songwriter Bill Menchen. All his projects play mid-paced classic style metal although he does enough to make each project have it's own sound. For Titanic I woul say they have an early-mid 80's metal sound not far off from the the likes of Judas Priest, Saxon and Armored Saint. The songs are thick and straight forward although they rarely vary the pace much within each song. Vocalist Simon Tyler has a good range and uses it to the fullest here. Some of the songs tend to blend together at times, but overall Menchen's galloping riffs keeps it interesting. Robert Sweet is of course a welcome addition as he obviously adds a lot to the songs. One of my favorite parts of most of the Bill Menchen projects in recent years is the fact that he normally brings in Robert Sweet and Sweet just lets loose. Overall a decent outing.