Rough Edge: Medicine Mann CD reviews

MEDICINE MANN

Nashville's own Medicine Mann are seven year metal veterans who bring to the table a fresh and exciting sound full of cool grooves and powerful hooks. They are not your average metal clones that pollute our airwaves more with each passing day. Instead I've discovered a hidden treasure deep within the heart of the country music capital.

Their bio reads: "Medicine Mann fit in the artist category. Starting with a solid rock foundation of 70's Hendrix, Sabbath and Thin Lizzy, they've blended in a mixture of 80's Ozzy, Judas Priest and King's X. To top it off, they've added in the final ingredient: 90's Pantera, Helmet and Tool. This is exactly what the music industry needs, a band that can use creativity to breed originality."

Sounds pretty appealing, I must say. Have they got our attention yet? Let's find out.

Track one, called "FTW," starts out with a very short bluesy riff before Rick Brave Lion's guitar kicks the tune into overdrive. Jason Roberts chimes in with his alternative-sounding vocal chords. Imagine Scott Weiland from Stone Temple Pilots blended well with a cool megaphone wail. Dee Adman provides some very deep and doomy bass backdrops while drummer Peroy Petty pounds the skins like a pro. Next up is "Superstar," mixing in some strange, yet refreshing drum beats and other odd noises. I must say Mr. Brave Lion's guitar licks smoke. I am starting to hear some of the influences proclaimed in their bio. "Damaged" starts out with a bizarre car alarm digital voice bellowing: "I was tampered with," before a hint of rap-tinged rant enters the picture and more megaphone mania. The thick bass lines and Hendrix-like guitar keep the song interesting. Don't get me wrong, there will NEVER be another Jimi, but Rick Brave Lion plays like his apprentice!

"Somber" starts out as a heartfelt ballad. Jason shows off his vocal prowess, convincing this listener of his pain. The song adds a unique Native American flute solo before picking up the pace. Great tune! "Fallin'" is yet another noteworthy track and more trippy guitar solos that are missing in today's talentless, digitalized, oversampled metal scene.

So far, Medicine Mann has offered up a very commendable effort. Each song brings new surprises and has captivated me.

I really hate to call this a demo because they have laid down 12 blazing tracks. This was a blast from the past for me. Back to the day when an album was good all the way through, not just one or two hits and an over abundance of fillers. With most of today's music I tend to program in all the cool tunes on my CD player because most groups can't accommodate the listener with a solid effort. Medicine Mann however, have pulled it off. The songs are addictive and you won't be able to stop until you get the complete fix.

Other excellent tracks include "Gifted," "Believe," and "Shoulder," which has more killer guitar riffs that sound like Zakk Wylde era Ozzy stirred amidst very heavy drum pounding. I also heard a pretty cool piano piece called "8.24." I can hear you now, "Piano!? Why the hell is that on there?" Believe me when I say Medicine Mann pulls it off beautifully. There is even a hidden joke track where Rick tries his hand at rapping. I think it's called "Who Farted?" In Rick's letter to me he says: "I don't consider myself a rapper, but I figured if all these guys can do it, so can I!" It's hilarious for those of you that prefer the lighter side.

My final thought is this: When Medicine Mann get a well-deserved record deal, this CD is a must buy for those of you that like your metal melodic with an abundance of guitar solos, thick, doomy bass lines, machinegun drums and decipherable vocals. This is classic metal at its best with some cutting edge modern technology to keep it fresh! Excellent job, guys.

Visit Medicine Mann at http://www.medicinemann.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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