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By GREG MAKI
Black Tide is the rare band that started to make a name for itself nationally before any of its members had released an album. That’ll happen when you’re four teenagers opening the Ozzfest main stage, which Black Tide did in 2007. And it didn’t hurt that their musical prowess outshone touring partners many years their seniors.
Light from Above sounds like the output of a young band; it’s full of the enthusiasm and energy often lacking from bands that have been through the wringer so many times. Its chief influences—early Metallica, Megadeth, Iron Maiden—come from a time the band members are too young to remember. A cover of Metallica’s “Hit the Lights” ensures we know exactly where they are coming from. It’s nice to know kids are going back to discover good music. Of newer bands, they remind most of Sanctity.
The thrashing opener “Shockwave” shows us right away that these kids can play. It’s immediately clear lead guitarist Alex Nunez, who carries himself on stage like a young Dimebag Darrell, is a star in the making. “Shockwave” recalls Kill ‘Em All-era Metallica; “Warriors of Time,” “Enterprise” and the title track could be lost Iron Maiden tunes; the rhythm guitar of “Let Me” conjures images of Zakk Wylde; and “Show Me the Way” and “Live Fast Die Young” have a slightly less aggressive, Skid Row feel.
If there is a glaring weakness, it’s in the songwriting department. The songs are a little too repetitive for their own good and there is not an abundance of imagination in a track called “Live Fast Die Young.” Another quibble is that the vocals of Gabriel Garcia, who also handles the rhythm guitars, aren’t quite mean enough to match the music. Both of these criticisms are nothing that age and experience can’t fix. With producer Johnny K (Disturbed, Machine Head), Black Tide has made a debut album that sounds great and effectively showcases their extraordinary raw talent. If they stay together for the long haul, I have no doubt that big things are in store for them.
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