TAD MOROSE - Undead
January 18, 2001, 23 years ago
(Century Media)
A more aptly titled record for this band of Swedes would be hard to find, given the various incarnations that have survived different labels to continue playing their brand of traditional metal. Surviving the '90s, a lean time to be mining this particular vein, Tad Morose are obviously banking of the renewed interest in metal to reverse their fortunes, both in terms of notoriety, as well as financially. Often mentioned in the same breath as Dream Theater, the newest material retains a significantly harder edge, with a nod to classic Crimson Glory, especially the vocals on the first song, and another group of Floridians from the same era, Savatage. 'Servant Of The Bones' is the strongest opening track of Tad's career, instantly getting the listener into the new points of reference. Although the nine originals that follow can't possibly live up to the glorious opening, it's still a strong outing, with special kudos awarded to the Middle Eastern flair in 'Order Of The Seven Poles', the back-to-back guitar heavy duo of 'No Tears In The Rain' and 'Lord On High', plus the commercially viable 'Corporate Masters'. Is there a hidden message behind that title?
