DEFENDERS OF METAL – Volume 1 – The Seduction

There is something to be said about Heavy Metal compilations. The worst ones are the “tributes,” CDs that record bands who aren’t going to sell anything anymore or never will and allow them to put their own “spin” on Classic Rock or Metal. For the most part, they suck. New labels tend to put out compilations as well, trying to get their name out there just as much as they are promoting their bands. Man In Black Music falls into the latter category with Defenders of Metal: Volume 1—The Seduction, and release something well worth listening to. With 18 different bands and 78 minutes, how could they fail?

The CD starts off with the frustratingly named band Jesters Moon, no apostrophe. (You see, without the apostrophe showing ownership, it makes it plural. Confusing to say the least.) Guitarist/vocalist Bryce Van Patten has his name all over this CD. Album concept and design is all his, and he plays in Jesters Moon, Still Life and Victim here. Jesters Moon has one CD under their belt, and are a talented group. They blend atmospheric nuances with heavy guitar-laden Metal on “Forbidden,” and shine at almost every aspect of what they do. The aforementioned Van Patten, while adept at guitar, needs some work on his vocals. He sounds a bit like Udo at times, and makes a great song good. But, he IS an excellent songwriter, and when he leaves vocals to someone else (Still Life), you’ll see impressive results.

One curious and ambitious move by Defenders of Metal: Volume 1—The Seduction is to have the song “Moonlight Horizon” by Moonlight Agony second. It is an instrumental, full of keyboards, double-bass and is mostly enjoyable. They took a chance here, and it worked.

With an 18-song CD, it’s tough and probably cruel to hit on all of the songs that weren’t very good — and there are some. So, this review is sticking to what’s good.

The U.S. band Element offers an intense song that for some reason, copies Metallica’s horrific snare drum sound. Maybe it’s a glitch in the production. The song itself, barring the snare, is awesome. The chorus of, “What do you want from me! Why can’t you let it be?” is very addictive, and you’ll be singing along after one listen.

There are two songs back to back, number 11 and 12, that will amaze you. This is the reason why compilations such as this need to be released — to give fans the chance to hear what they should be hearing.

At number 11, Still Life comes to you with “Illusions,” one of the cleanest tracks on Defenders … , and has the aforementioned Van Patten on drums, bass and keyboards. Multi-faceted is a good word for that guy. When he gives the vocals over here, you will be greeted by Cameron Barry, the owner of a smooth and emotional delivery that lends to the overall dark “wanting” of the track. The insightful lyrics of “I don’t know what’s gonna happen now, all I know, all I know is everything bends …” may just cause a shiver.

Number 12 is from Polish band Rapid Fire. Their song, “Liegia,” has a European power metal vibe to it, and vocals that are in the lower range. This is where you’ll find the catchiest chorus and gloomiest lyrics: “Haze of opium in my head, Lady’s body on the bed, She is moving, she’s not dead.” OK, it’s not Shakespeare, but coupled with the rhythm of the bass and drums, this is just a dead-on great song. Trust in Metal Express … you are going to want to hear this one.

If there is a consistent pattern to the bands on this CD, it’s the fact that you won’t get any shriekers. There are no Halford-like screams, no falsetto vibrato (yahooooey!). Most of the voices are controlled and purposeful without wailing, and that’s the best thing a guy could ask for.

Spanish band Sabatan have the strangest song on Defenders … with the awkwardly titled, “Terror Mind.” Singer Jesus Fernandez has a strong accent and a deep voice … until he doesn’t. Somehow, Fernandez turns his deep, “Bruce Dickinson singing as low as he can” vocals into Helloween-era Michael Kiske wailing. Hearing is believing. Not the best song on the CD, but definitely unique.

There ya have it. 18 songs, almost 80 minutes of bands you might never have a chance to hear.