ELM STREET - Knock 'Em Out...With A Metal Fist
June 10, 2016, 8 years ago
(Massacre)
Sophomore effort from Australian traditional minded metalheads, last seen on these shores touring alongside Skullfist and Night Demon, although Elm Street have always been heavier/more aggressive than their brethren, adding a dose of thrash to the proceedings. There's also a decidedly forced, edgy rasp to the vocals. Witness the first single/video "Kiss The Canvass", which has an early Children Of Bodom mentality (there's even a scythe wielding Reaper on the cover!).
Lone acoustic guitar is the first thing heard, opening "Face The Reaper". There's more than a hint of "Nothing Else Matters" in the acoustic laden "Sabbath". A galloping (drum roll filled) "Next In Line" toes the line between the two camps, melodic old school and scratchy throat vitriol. Speaking of oldies, listen to "Heart Racer": Rhoads-era Ozzy topped with a shouter. Short instrumental "S.T.W.A." segues into "Blood Diamond", with (surely) its Alexi Laiho stamp of approval. Acoustics abound, to start the downshifted (ballad?) "Leave It All Behind", gravel mouthed lyrics to the fore for this finale. Intriguing (if not all that original) mix of styles.
