BLASTED TO STATIC
Blasted To Static
2016 Metalapolis Records
BLASTED TO STATIC is a stellar new band formed by several metal veterans. The lineup consists of vocalist Jeff Martin (RACER X), guitarist Stu Marshall (DEATH DEALER), bassist Rev Jones (MICHAEL SCHENKER) and legendary Aussie session drummer Clay T. The songs on this debut album (written mostly by Jeff and Stu), range from speed metal anthems to blues. Stu Marshall delivers yet another shred-fest on guitar and Jeff Martin’s vocals are inspiring; he sounds even better than he did back in the ‘80s. Rev Jones delivers a devastating bass performance and Clay T.’s precision drumming is the cherry on top.
“Suicide King” is the opening track, and it’s a great choice, since it’s one of the best songs on the album. Jeff’s high notes on the chorus and shout-along backing vocals are fantastic. Rev’s driving bass gives the song a major heaviness, and Clay’s double bass drum attack gives it a real punch. Stu’s lightning-fast licks and solo complete the package to make “Suicide King” one of the strongest lead-off songs in recent memory. Next is “The Hammer”, a track which features one of the best grooves and riffs on the album. This song was also one of the first to get a video release. A brief guitar interlude introduces “Repossession Of Nothing”, the longest song on the album at nearly six minutes. This song allows the band to explore some different tempos and lay down some cool solos, and features a guest appearance by Satchel of STEEL PANTHER.
Jeff takes his vocals to another level on “Lovesick Blue”, part one of a ballad that also features Stu’s haunting guitar lick. The song is a sublime curve ball on the album which concludes with the instrumental outro “Requiem”, featuring a fantastic blues solo from Stu. “Dance Devil Dance” features some heavier riffs, followed by a glorious harmony chorus. Stu contributes another perfect solo on this song. “Devil’s Preacher” is next, and is one of my favorite songs on the album. The intro to this song is brilliant, but so is the rest of the song. “Can I have an amen?”
“Nottingham Grove” is a fantastic ballad, and a perfect example of the songwriting chemistry Jeff and Stu have. Things return to a power metal tempo on the witch-themed “Delivered From The Ashes”, one of the fastest tracks on the album. Another remarkable vocal from Jeff and shredding riff and solo from Stu on this one. This song has stayed in my head more than any other song on the album. “War Baby” follows, a great track that fans will enjoy singing along with. The album closes with Stu’s acoustic guitar on “Francois”, a nice instrumental at the end of this high-class album.
Blasted To Static features 11 songs, at around 46 minutes. If you like fiery, shredding, up-tempo, classic heavy metal that takes its cue from the LA metal scene, you should check this band out. With an impressive arrangement of songs and unique artwork, Germany’s Metalapolis Records has a real winner with this release. Blasted To Static is available in now in Digipak CD and digital formats.
5.0 Out Of 5.0
