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. |
