Artist: F5
Title: The Reckoning
Type: Album
Label: Silverwolf Productions/SPV
Since F5 feature two former members of Megadeth, including Dave Ellefson who for many years was one third of that band’s stable line up (the other two thirds being Dave Mustaine and Dave Mustaine’s ego), comparison is inevitable, especially as the blurb that came with the promo CD had that ‘FACT’ plastered all over it. Indeed, the opening chords of the first track ‘No Excuse’ strengthened that comparison, featuring fast technical guitar riffs backed up by a precise pounding rhythm section that was so much of the early thrash sound. However, beyond the technical aspects of F5, they have a very different style. For starters, in Dave Steele the band have a man with a good rock voice who is able to actually sing rather then growl, able to hold notes that fit in well with the band’s heavy yet melodic style.
Second track, ‘I am the Taker’ builds on the solid start of track one, a medium paced metal track with clean vocals and good harmonies on the chorus leading into well played solos. With the title track, ‘The Reckoning’ and ‘Wake Up’, and especially ‘Cause for Concern’, the band show a rock radio friendly side, straying into the territory that is dominated stateside by bands like Disturbed; a head nodding number that will appeal to those who like a bit of metal without venturing into the realm of the extreme. This is not a criticism of the band, just be aware this is not an album for the dyed in the wool thrasher.
Once or twice, with the likes of the opening riff of ‘Rank and File’ and ‘Love is Dead’, the band’s speed roots are shown, but on the whole the band is far more in the style of melodic power metal that is so popular in Europe. Maybe this is the reason for the band signing to a German label. Every track is technically excellent and cleanly produced, with each instrumentalist being given the chance to showcase their skills without being drowned out in the mix. This did mean that to me there were no stand out tracks that had me wanting to punch the air, but every single one had me nodding along appreciatively. It may well be that in a live setting with the extra energy of a crowd could raise some tracks above others. This is an album that should be allowed to stand on its own considerable merits, rather then try and sell itself purely on band member’s past achievements.
http://www.f5theband.com
http://www.myspace.com/f5thebandaz
Spenny Bullen
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