MARS
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
I've always thought that the term "80's metal" was unfair. It tends to indicate that the music in question is stale and tired and - although that is indeed sometimes the case - more often it is not.
Mars' "Metaldrone" is a perfect example. It's got that 80s metal sound - sort of a cross between Ratt, Starz and Twisted Sister (it should - it was originally released in 1987 on vinyl only) - but is still as fresh and as viable as anything by Pantera or any of the former-superstar grunge bands. It's not as skull-numbing, of course, but that's part of the attraction.
The CD's best tracks are the first song, "Breakin' My Heart," (no, not the Elton John/Kiki Dee pop hit); the title track, which brings to mind the heavy metal soundtrack for an as yet unmade "Mad Max" movie and "Damnation" a song that sounds like its name.
Unfortunately, there's a clunker here as well: "It's Your Life," the token ballad. The lyrics are okay but the music is slow-paced and typical.
This version of the CD also includes the bonus tracks, "Speed King," "Knifemare" (great name for a song...or a horror movie) and "Beast in the Sky." Also available is a full multi-media CD including additional video, lyrics liner notes and more.
Anyone who thinks that 80s metal (there's that term again) is dead should give "Metaldrone" a listen or two. Or more.
MARS is: Scott Davis; Jimi Jaymz, Mark Chulick, Fred Haener.
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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Revised: 20 Mar 2023 19:45:06 -0500.
