Addication, The: The Addication

Back in the 1980s, there were several new metal releases that featured the talents of young, flashy guitarists, but had little going for them. This was especially true with Los Angeles-area bands. Besides the ubiquitous big hair, sexist lyrics, and multi-colored clothes, they had talented guitarists. Unfortunately, most of these young players let their speed and style get the best of them; things got boring all too quickly and a once vibrant style turned into cliché.

The Addication's debut album is obviously not an eighties metal album, nor does it sound like one. It is, however, heavy on guitar technique, complete with its flashy scale passages and arpeggios. I don't hear a lot of sweep picking or tapping, but I may have missed them. As a guitarist, I always enjoy listening to a good solo and this album has plenty of them. I also thought that the use of harmony was pretty good. I suppose that's why this album reminded me of some of those old releases--the guitar stood out above everything else, rising above otherwise lackluster music. Sure, the band plays well enough and is obviously made up of competent musicians. The problem, though, is that the overall album is unconvincing. Tracks like "Rust" are decent, but the vocals don't sound strong on the slower passages. The singer isn't bad, but his voice is more convincing at faster tempos.

Track Listing:
1. Burned Down
2. From the Ashes
3. New Beginning (Era of New Blood)
4. Last Seconds on Earth
5. Rust
6. My Testament
7. Out From the Inferno
8. No More Hero
9. Last Sunrise

Added: January 9th 2013
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 1903
Language: english

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