Force of Nature CD Reviews

FORCE OF NATURE

Upon first impression of Force Of Nature I could think nothing other than tune up the old Iroc-Z and break out the can of Aquanet because the metal we all came to know and adore from the 80s is back. Now, a gazillion hidden spins later, I find myself teasing out my hair and donning the spandex, hiding the pleasure I so find in rehashing the days when metal was cool and the girls were easy. Forces of Nature's effort, "Wreaking Havoc," offered everything I have been longing for: "new" metal without being "nu" metal.

I can just flat out tell you that track "R.I.P." kicked ass - everything about it from the guitar licks to the in-your-face-motherfucker drums pounding you with every beat to the trademark 80s metal cheesy vocals made me explode with delight. I could feel the whole ensemble penetrating my veins and feeding my desire for unadulterated metal bliss.

"Fall from Grace" displayed the guitar talents of Burk and Jeff, with the riffs antagonizing each other to bring out the drive in both.

"Kill Again" was a traditional metal ode to the bleak and obscure metal topic serial killing, with the lack of lyrical substance combined with powerhouse musical accompaniment reminding me of the modern day metal geniuses Haunted.

In comparison to those stellar assaults, "Tension" fell flat but was still a solid enough offering to not blow the whole album for me.

While I'm not eager to return to the days of the 80s, I can fully say I welcome the sounds of it - in private if not public. The 80s produced some of the finest pioneering metal sounds that have made the scene what it is today, the one that our kids listen to as will angry youths yet to come. Force Of Nature encompasses that sound and passion in "Wreaking Havoc," and - even though the sound is one that has been dated - it is one that got us all into the black t-shirt wardrobe in the first place, before modern day magicians like Tool or even Sepultura changed the direction of heavy music.

With that in mind, I say enjoy Forces of Nature and take them for all they are worth - a band inspired by and living in the music from metal's heyday.

The members of Forces of Nature are: Burk (guitar), Hank (bass), Fraser (vocals), Jeff (guitar), and Dan (drums). Take note, bass tracks on the album were performed by Butch Williams.

More info can be found on their official web site: http://www.forceofnaturerocks.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.

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