Black Tide – Shockwave / 2007 Interscope / 2 Tracks / http://www.blacktidemusic.com / http://www.interscope.com /
This single is Black Tide’s first foray into the major label scene, and their brand of classically influenced metal will go over big with a populace that has been lusting after anything retro. “Shockwave†is so close to a Judas Priest song that I’m frankly afraid that Black Tide will be tapped as a copycat act. The ability of the band is so far beyond question that it would be almost offensive to question their compositions. The only thing that can really be said about “Shockwave†in a negative sense is the fact that the production seems to leave some of the compositions on the track flat. Sure, the guitar solo is intense as all get out, but it feels as if the producer is putting up a plexiglass barrier between the band and their listeners. Hopefully a more raw and raunchy mix can be given to the fans before the band’s full length is released. Regardless, Black Tide will fit in well with the retro metal band scene, whether it be touring with Wolfmother or Dragonforce. Pick the disc up at Hot Topic – I believe (but am not sure) that the single can only be picked up there. See the band live and pick up their full length whenever it is ultimately released.
Rating: 7.5/10
John Sargeant, writing on NeuFutur as Sargeant, is the founder and editor-in-chief of NeuFutur Magazine, where he has covered independent music, PC hardware, consumer tech, and gaming culture since 1998. With over 25 years of continuous digital publishing experience, he has written thousands of hands-on game and record reviews, conducted in-depth hardware field testing, and analyzed digital media monetization trends. His work prioritizes first-hand evaluation and long-term product testing.
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