FLIGHT 16
"Flight
16" (550 Music; 1998)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
The debut album from Croydon, England's Flight 16 is a
middle of the road album with some highs and some lows. The band is battling the odds to
make it in the hard rock world; after an initial misstep in signing with a Polish label
that did not have much experience in promoting bands, Flight 16 find themselves working
with 550 Music and Epic Records.
Flight 16 present a more "contemporary" hard rock oriented sound with influences
of '70s hard rock. The young band claims Metallica and Iron Maiden to be their main
influences, yet you won't hear a song that sounds like either of the two metal titans on
this disc.
The best songs are "If All The World Hated Me" (also found on the OzzFest '98
sampler 2 CD set), "Snap," and "Fly." The overall content of the disc
is that the songs are likable, yet not spectacular. If there is any fault with Flight 16's
debut it is the numerous mid-tempo tunes that clutter the second half of the disc. All in
all though, Flight 16 actually have a refreshing sound without being too hard or too
mellow. The vocals are not derivative, the guitars showcase competent
technique, and the rhythm section is solid. If contemporary hard rock is what you're
looking for, Flight 16 just might be your next favorite band.
FLIGHT 16 includes: Dave Sears on vocals and guitars; Paulo Obertelli on lead guitar and
vocals; Jules Eccleston on bass; and Chris Hancox on drums and percussion. Production and
mixing duties were handled by Dave Jerden who has worked with Alice In Chains, Anthrax,
and Stabbing Westward.
For more information, visit the band's official website at
https://www.facebook.com/flight161991/.
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.
Copyright © 2000 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
