DOWNSPIRIT

"Point of Origin" (Metalville; 2010)

Reviewed by Mike SOS

Combining the bombast of power metal with the hip-grinding rhythms of bluesy sleaze rock, the debut endeavor by Sweden’s Downspirit takes a trip back in time harkening the glory days of the Sunset Strip with a bevy of clichés in tow for as authentic a vibe you can expect from a modern act.

From the outfit’s Shotgun Messiah-meets-Nickelback thick and heavy sound to their predilection to bust out harmonicas and Heil boxes at the drop of a hat (“Highway Run”), Downspirit makes no bones about their affection for all things 80s (“Lovesong”).

Providing muscular riffs and cheeky choruses aplenty, Downspirit’s performance packs a punch and is a good-time-seeking, guitar-driven album with a surprising amount of heaviness at the forefront. Yet, like many of the acts they aim to emulate, they lack an overall substance to make a lasting impression or remain memorable.

For more information, check out http://www.downspirit.com.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

Back to CD Reviews Home

Back to RoughEdge.com Home

Copyright © 2011 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
Revised: 13 Mar 2023 19:46:29 -0500 .