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ATTIKA - Metal Lands - 8/108/10
Summary
Pure Steel Records
Release date: February 26, 2021
[spoiler title=’Metal Express Radio – Ratings Scale’ style=’default’ collapse_link=’true’]
10.0: Cannot be improved! Perfect, instant classic! Essential in any record collection.
9.5 – 9.9: Fantastic, spectacular and outstanding!
9.0 – 9.4: Amazing release! It just lacks that little extra spice to make it perfect.
8.5 – 8.9: Exceptional release! Will likely rank among top ten albums of the year.
8.0 – 8.4: Great release! It has many different qualities.
7.5 – 7.9: Above average! It is an enjoyable release.
7.0 – 7.4: It is not brilliant, but has many strong points.
6.0 – 6.9: It has its moments, but is not that strong.
5.0 – 5.9: Slightly above average, does not stand out. Good outweighs bad by just a little.
4.0 – 4.9: Just below average, bad outweighs good by just a little.
3.0 – 3.9: Mediocre. There might be a song or a performance that is enjoyable, but that is it.
2.0 – 2.9: Very weak! There might be a light at the end of the tunnel, too many flaws.
1.0 – 1.9: This release gives the word “terrible” new meaning.
0.1 – 0.9: Awful! Avoid at all cost. There is nothing good to say about this release.
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User Review
( vote)The Backstory
Florida based Attika released their debut self-titled album in 1988. They followed it up with 1991’s When Heroes Fall. Attika all but disappeared before reuniting in 2015. Metal Lands is their first studio album in 30 years.
[Read our Robert Van War interview HERE]The Album
The end of the world has come on the album’s title track “Metal Lands.” It’s led by a classic chugga-chugga riff and snapping snares. “8 Track Days” begins with thick bass lines that give way to slow but mighty riffage. with his forceful vocals, Robert Van War reflects on days gone by that can’t be corrected “Like a Bullet” comes at you hard and fast much like the empty physical attraction it speaks of.
Van War shares his feelings about how the worst terrorist attack on American soil affected him on “Darkness of the Day.” Musically the track is just as bleak and ominous as that fateful day (09/11/01). “Thorn in My Side” is full of Heavy Metal fury and intensity. Bill Krajewski’s guitar solo work is quick but impactful. “Running With The Horsemen” mixes up the tempo and emotion as death is beating down on mankind.
Van War takes on a Dave Mustaine-like snarl on “Sincerely Violent. Good old Dave would be proud of the politically charged lyrics. “One Wish” is a ballad with plenty of Metal edge to it. The protagonist is regretting his sins of the past and longing for the love of his life.
The Verdict
The album cover of Metal Lands lives up to what you would expect to be contained inside. If Attika had put this album out 35 years ago, you would have undoubtedly seen them on bills with Megadeth, Heathen, Lizzy Borden, Vicious Rumors, Sanctuary, and the like. Metal Lands takes you back to the American Metal you loved growing up. Van War may not be one of those high pitched wailers, but he is more than competent in his delivery in that he convinces you he really believes in what he’s singing about.
TUNE INTO METALEXPRESSRADIO.COM at NOON & MIDNIGHT (EST) / 6:00 & 18:00 (CET) TO HEAR THE BEST TRACKS FROM THIS UPCOMING RELEASE!!!
Tracklist:
- Metal Lands
- 8 Track Days
- Like a Bullet
- Darkness of the Day
- The Price
- Thorn In My Side
- Run With The Horsemen
- Sincerely Violent
- One Wish
Attika is:
Robert Van War – Vocals
Glenn Anthony – Bass
Bill Krajewski – Guitars
Jeff Patelski – Drums
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