Formed by ex Iced Earth drummer Richard Christy, Metallers’ Charred Walls of the Damned released their first single back in December 2009, then in 2010 their first album self titled ‘Charred Walls of the Damned’. The album was given mixed reviews. During Christmas 2010 Christy recorded all 12 of the drum parts for the new album, the rest was recorded earlier this year. Signed to a label like Metal Blade, surely they can’t be all that bad? The album is called ‘Cold Winds on Timeless Days’. Time to see for myself.
A beautifully atmospheric intro leads in to the first and titled track ‘Timeless Days’ with the melodic guitar, then the occasional Zakk Wylde style Pinch Harmonics with your typical power metal drumming style. The riffs are quite splendid, quite oddly (yet it works) taking it down a note. The vocals quite classy when it comes to this genre, sounding like a lot of other power metal vocalists, but hey if you know it works, then stick to it? The middle section offers some head swaying drum patterns with a dash of group vocals to sing along to. The intro to ‘Ashes Falling Upon Us’ serves up a bit of pummelling black metal style blast beats. The guitar solo to this one is very 80’s themed, lots of wailing and showing off, good lads! Carrying on with the black metal drum theme (black metal and power metal you say?) ‘Zerospan’ think of Satyricon and Helloween mixed up and you’ve pretty much got this track figured out. ‘Cold Winds’ starts off pretty slow but you can tell just how good the vocalists abilities are by this, there’s nothing but voice and soothing guitar until just over a minute in when the drums pop in and play with your eardrums. A hefty middle section adorns this already awesome piece with an air guitar style solo fit for Guitar Hero and a deep bass feel to add.
Opening up on the track ‘Lead The Way’ somehow reminds me of Bill and Ted, and I’m trying to figure out why I’m wanting to shout “Wyld Stallyns” (that’s not a typo). Anyhow, back to the track... the rest of it is nothing of cheesy films and more a galloping journey of metal. The solo on this is bloody immense! Nothing short of genius and the screaming vocals are another point to add to this one, just fantastic.
‘Forever Marching On’ had some good points to it. The riffs were good throughout, but I didn’t feel like the out of time drumming and the random vocal parts fitted at all. However, ‘Guiding Me’ has a cracking intro and even though the music is a little all over the place again, it works this time. The crazy vocals almost sounding a little eerie and the hard headbang worthy sections work a treat.
‘The Beast Outside My Window’ by far has the best intro with over a minute and a half worth of sweet acoustic guitar then somehow managing to blast into a fast as hell metal track. ‘On Unclean Ground’ sounds like a jamming session at first but cracks into song with clean vocals and even though it’s a metal track, it’s still somehow quite relaxing to listen to. ‘Bloodwork’ would be the bands take on a bit of a slow ballad I’m guessing, yet still maintaining a ballsy “up yours I’m metal” feel. ‘Admire The Hero’s ‘sounds quite samey to the previous two tracks, slow and ballad-like with a heavy chorus.
Well.... ending on ‘Avoid The Light’ it seems we have changed genre again, so moving on to a death metal feel beginning, then again surprising me by changing into a much slower paced section with clear vocals, but fear not, it goes straight into a much more heavier part with guitar solos and deadly bass lines all over the show.
SO... It’s quite obvious the whole band are talented musicians but even though it’s an impressive album I still thought some tracks were too similar. Still.... apart from a few niggling bits overall it’s a winner and if you’re a fan of power metal but wanting something a little different to tantalise your taste buds then I’d suggest having a go at this.
http://www.myspace.com/charredwallsofthedamned
Charlene Rance
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