SCREAMER - WHAT EXCITES YOU
INDEPENDENT (Not released yet)
Metal To Infinity
Are
you familiar with Screamer from the USA? No? Well, let me talk about these guys…
About twenty years ago they released an album called ''Target: Earth''. I
can't say they shocked the world with it but that had nothing to do with the
band nor the music. A lack of support must have been the reason this album
isn’t well know amongst the fans of true US (Progressive) Metal. Although a
lot of bands are sounding similar, only a few bands wrote an album like ''Target: Earth'' . Who? Queensryche with
''The
Warning'' and Lethal with
''Programmed'' but this last album was released two years after
''Target:
Earth''! . Although
this
is an outstanding CD, only the mediocre
production was a weak point. I can only hope for a decent re-release or
re-recording in the near future.
Almost
two years I have contacts with Bill Carter, singer from Screamer. The man with
the mind blowing high pitched voice seems to be an ultra friendly guy. Bill
created a myspace.com page about Screamer and I sent him a mail to tell him how
fantastic Screamer was to me. The more important question was if Screamer had a
future… I don't know if it was my message that convinced Bill to re-start
Screamer but at least I can give you, today, the official first review for their
upcoming album. Screamer has no label yet, only the songs are recorded and
they're awaiting support! Be sure we will because it is disgraceful this album
is infamous and because of the fact the new album is irresistible!
I
admit, when Bill told me about the new album, I was waiting for a new
''Target:
Earth'' or should I say a new Progressive Power Metal album in vein of the old
Queensryche, Fates Warning or Lethal. It didn't actually turn out that way and
the new Screamer sounds different from the previous album. Nevertheless a lot of
similar musical elements can be discovered.
The first time I've heard a new song I wasn't that thrilled at all
but today Bill e-mailed me the entire album. I am speechless, wild, bowled over,
stunned…
The
big difference between both albums is that Screamer sounds more melodic than
before. Each particular song contains fantastic vocal lines and although Bill
isn't searching anymore for the highest notes he still has a wonderful clear
voice. His timbre is strong, his vocal sounds overall unique. His throat
contains a very warm touch and is varied enough to label him as a top singer.
Although on the debut album his voice was comparable with Geoff Tate, John Arch
or Tom Mallicoat it sounds different nowadays. The vocal lines are lower but are
still overwhelming. Only a song like 'Filtered' is enough to show me right!
Another
strong point on this new album are the amazing guitar riffs. During the entire
disc you'll be surprised by the fast fingered riffs and screaming, touching
solo's. Talking about styles these guitar arrangements are reminding me to
Georg Lynch in his best period ever; with Dokken! If you were excited of what
George Lynch did on albums like ''Back For The Attack'' or
''Under Lock And
Key''
you will adore this. If you
would hear a song like 'Into Sublime' or
'Sweet Laraine' you will
understand what I mean! Sophisticated riffs, without any form of exaggeration,
are holding your attention and are making this disc into a Metal masterpiece,
improving it with the addition of Melodic and Progressive metal elements.
Time after time Ronald Valeo and Michael DeRose pull the strings on a way it
gives me a cold shivering!
Old
Dokken is as a matter of fact a good band to be compared with, although Screamer
sounds darker. If you would mix this thought with music in vein of Q5 (both
albums), Stryper, Heir Apparent (''One Small Voice'' era) or Wycked Synn (another
infamous first class band) I suppose you'll get the perfect idea how Screamer
sounds nowadays. It has been a long time that a band in this particular genre
electrified me the way Screamer does now!
It
is not that pleasant to constantly match up a band to other bands… Screamer
deserves more but I suppose it is the only way I can convince you US Metal
fanatics to go search for this band. After multiple listens I'm quite sure
also labels will be delighted by Screamer. This addictive 'magnum opus'
won't leave my tuner for the next weeks!
I would end my review by begging the labels to give Screamer a fair chance! This band has so much skills that they deserve to be treated right. I can't wait for the official news from the band, saying they signed a decent deal. Awaiting this CD you can try to find ''Target: Earth'' (easy to find on the Internet) or you can surf to: http://www.myspace.com/screamertargetearth
My Points: 95 / 100 (Review by Officer Nice)