TENSION RISING
"Penumbra" (Tension
Rising Productions; 2020)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Tension Rising's "Penumbra" is ten tracks of crushing heavy metal that rolls across your brain like a bulldozer. It's powerful, heavy rock'n'roll that sits right blow Metallica level but with perhaps an even more melodic angle.
While most of the tracks are unapologetic heavy metal monsters with mostly clean but effectively used rough-edged vocals, some of the tracks will take you by surprise. "Getting Out of Hand" is far more melodic that the tracks that proceeded it and "No More Goodbyes" is a slower-paced ballad-ish track that doesn't make you reach for the NEXT button on your media player.
But "Penumbra" is best when the band is kicking ass, as on tracks like "Masquerade," "Darkness Returns" and especially on the closer, "Your Lie Run Deep."
The production leaves a little to be desired, being just the slightest bit muddy but that's a minor complaint. Tension Rising's "Penumbra" delivers a powerful collection of explosive tunes that will have your head banging and your voice singing along.
For more information, check out https://tensionrisingband.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.
Copyright © 2020 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
