VICIOUS RUMORS - Concussion Protocol
September 4, 2016, 7 years ago
(SPV)
Great name for an album, the NFL's oft cited injury pseudonym holds double meaning. Three years since the last studio effort has given “new boy” singer Nick Holleman time to get his feet wet, although judging from the live dates during that time frame, the precaution was unnecessary. He can handle the highest notes as well as a normal register. Some biting lyrics this time around from Geoff Thorpe's crew, including “Chemical Slaves” and “Victims Of A Digital World”. The former includes a wicked solo. Speaking of which, Brad Gillis (known for his work with Night Ranger/ex-Ozzy, but also was part of the Warball CD) guests, adding his six string talent to the album, as does fellow VR alum, Steve Smyth.
Apart from a mid-tempo bridge, “Chasing The Priest” is ablaze, start to finish. However, unlike Razorback Killers that saw their history chucked out the window, in favor of competing with more extreme entities, these eleven tunes are varied. That's because this is a conceptual release, based around a catastrophic event (the world's demise) and mankind's struggle to survive. “The Last Of Our Kind”, which fades out (purposefully or not), has a dual purpose, when examined in light of older metal bands. “Circle Of Secrets” begins as if it will be a ballad, then abruptly alters course, drop shifting from first gear, to fifth! “Take It Or Leave It” also changes intensity, the initial portion showcasing the bass. Slow, grinding twin guitar “Bastards” is a departure, before “Every Blessing Is A Curse” comes searing out of the speakers, squealing guitars and high pitched vocals and precedes to pummel the listener about the head for the next four minutes. Their most consistent platter since the aforementioned Warball. Already supporting Dirkschneider throughout Europe, let's hope the situation is duplicated, next January, when Udo comes Stateside.