In the last few years, there have been a number of different iterations of metal that really freshen up the genre. I recall a few years back, for example, reviewing a collection of metal songs for kids. This time around, metal tracks are given the flamenco treatment. Where fans lightly into metal will know a few tracks on “Heavy Mellow” (such as Megadeth’s “In My Darkest Hour”, Ozzy’s “Bark At The Moon” and Iron Maiden’s “Aces High”), Flametal throws some seriously esoteric covers into the mix.
This means that they completely retool Rainbow’s “Gates of Babylon” into something that is virtually unrecognizable, while “Welcome Home” (a King Diamond original) benefits greatly from Flametal’s conformation of the track to accepted flamenco methods. “Cursed”, the disc’s last track, represents the one foray into original music by Flametal, and it showcases an arrangement that can stick with some of the most legendary and exciting metal bands of all time. By allowing this track to cap off “Heavy Mellow”, listeners are shown exactly where Flametal can go as well as how convincing the act can be when they are given the time to shine on their own. For those fans of the original bands and tracks covered or for how musicians can truly expand the metal genre, “Heavy Mellow” is a must-have album.
Top Tracks: In My Darkest Hour, Eyes of a Stranger
Rating: 8.4/10
Flametal – Heavy Mellow / 2010 Flametal Records / 11 Tracks / http://www.flametal.com / http://www.myspace.com/flametal
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.
Beats: Independent Music, PC Gaming & Peripherals, Consumer Tech, Webmaster Tools
Testing & Ethics: All hardware, software, and media reviews are conducted through hands-on evaluation in accordance with NeuFutur’s editorial independence standards; sponsored consideration is strictly excluded from editorial ratings.
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