Rough Edge: Gauntlet CD Reviews

GAUNTLET

"Stubburn" (Self-released; 2012)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Gauntlet's "Stubburn" continues on the path the band has forged so far. It's a solid knot of metal, a conglomeration of styles from everything like the thrash metal of Megadeth to the more extreme, balls-out metal of bands like Slipknot.

Probably the band's heaviest album, "Stubburn" will hit you like a nail-gloved fist. Some will say they may have gone too far this outing. The melodies aren't quite as distinct and the music, vocals and production are thicker and more extreme. Personally, I think they've gone just far enough. Can't wait to see what's next from this dedicated band.

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

"What Doesn't Kill Us" (Self-released; 2008)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

If you liked Gauntlet's first few CDs, then "What Doesn't Kill Us" is just what you hoped it would be: Balls to the wall heavy metal from start to finish.

Once again this band from Spain delivers a collection of powerful, guitar-driven rockers that range from the chunky riffs of "...Makes Us Stronger" to the infectious squeal of "Inner Enemy" to flurry of lightning leads that make up "The Hole." Fans of classic metal bands like Judas Priest, Grim Reaper and Metallica will eat up every track on the album.

There have been some line-up changes since the band first formed but that hasn't hurt this group in the slightest. Still staying true to the sound they began with back in 1998, Gauntlet just keeps getting better and better. The musicianship is tighter, the songwriting is clearer, and the band member's enthusiasm has never flagged. All that comes together to help create a great heavy metal album and "What Doesn't Kill Us" is sure not to disappoint.

Gauntlet: Miguel Rocha (Vocals, guitar); Daniel Millán (Guitar, backing vocals); Santi García (Bass, backing vocals); Ando Martínez (Drums).

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

"The Comeback" (Self-released; 2007)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

The only thing wrong with Gauntlet's "The Comeback" is that it contains only three tracks. After hearing those three tracks, I wanted more. Much more.

"The Comeback" may only be three tracks, but it's also over sixteen minutes of driving power metal with a huge guitar sound and a vocalist whose sound falls somewhere between legends Rob Halford of Judas Priest and Stryper's Michael Sweet. Track One is the title track and it gets things off to a rollicking start. Track Two, "A Sheep in Wolf's Clothing," starts off with some quiet "baa-ing" but a thick riff soon hammers in, pushing the song into a dynamic metal cadence. Finally, Track Three ("Die Away") closes the CD with a smooth, "Point of Entry"-era Priest sound.

Compared with the band's "Path of Nails," "The Comeback" is better produced and the band is probably a little tighter. Still, there's only three tracks here to "Path's" thirteen so there is a trade-off involved. Regardless, the future looks promising for another full-length release from Gauntlet.

Fans of classic metal along the lines of Judas Priest, Grim Reaper and Motley Crue will find "The Comeback" to their liking.

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

"Path of Nails" (Self-released; 2006)

Reviewed by Snidermann

Gauntlet's "Path Of Nails" impressed the hell out of me. This band is currently unsigned but they won't be unsigned for long.

Everything about this CD is just perfect: the music, the vocals, the production. I was blown away by this band's intense, explosive power metal. I thought I was listening to a band that had been doing it all their lives and, in a way, I guess they have since "Path of Nails" features members of Arwen, Dark Moor, Dreamaker, Nexx and Ebony Ark. However, never have any of those bands produced the pure, sheer 80s metalstorm that's captured on "Path of Nails."

Gauntlet's "Path of Nails" is by far one of the best power metal CDs I've heard in a long, long time.

For more information, check out http://www.gauntletmetal.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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