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JAMES RIVERA'S METAL
New Wave Gone Metal
2023 Massacre Records

James Rivera (HELSTAR) is a singer who is always working, always conceiving more metal for the masses in one form or another. And now he has developed another unique idea: metal covers of '80s new wave songs. James is joined on this project by HELSTAR cohorts Larry Barragan (guitar) and Garrick Smith (bass), as well as guitarist Maurice Eggenschwiler (BLUES FUNERAL), drummer Rene Luna (who played on HELSTAR's second album Remnants of War) and keyboardist Jan Kimmel (BLUES FUNERAL).

When I first caught wind of this project, I was excited to hear it. Mostly because I think it's a cool idea to do metal covers of new wave songs, but also because I am a fan of James Rivera and his various bands, metal in general, and -- having grown up in the '70s and '80s -- a huge fan of new wave. So on paper, at least, this sounds like a cool idea. Let's see how it pans out...

First up is "Black Celebration", (video clip now on KNAC.COM HERE) the title track from DEPECHE MODE's fifth album released in 1986. This was the first song recorded for New Wave Gone Metal, a song that inspired Rivera and friends (who witnessed a DEPECHE MODE concert), way back in 1985. Interesting choice, as this song was never released as a single by DM. Its theme is perfect for NWGM however, and it sets the tone for the songs to follow. "Love My Way" was a track from 1982, originally by THE PSYCHEDELIC FURS. Rivera and friends stay true to the original mood and melody of this song, while taking the heaviness up a notch. THE CURE's "Love Song", from 1986, is given a slightly more gothic approach. It almost sounds like Dracula is singing this one, which I'm sure is James' intent. There are some nice guitar and drum accents here that make it feel more metal for sure. PETER GABRIEL's seminal 1982 hit "Shock The Monkey" is given the doom metal treatment. I'm a fan of the original song, and this is an interesting take on it. Not bad! Next up is "Black Planet", a post-apocalyptic power-pop dirge originally performed by THE SISTERS OF MERCY in 1985. The original is a pretty driving pop song, and Rivera and friends stay true to that, with James singing deep and somber like SOM singer Andrew Eldritch.

Possibly the most famous song covered here is "Everybody Wants To Rule The World", the 1985 hit by TEARS FOR FEARS. The original, while a tale of corruption and war, was somehow upbeat. So there's two ways you can go with this cover -- keep it upbeat or rearrange it. Rivera and friends choose to do the latter, to my consternation, as I feel this one misses the mark. Next up is "Bela Lugosi's Dead", the first song ever recorded by post-punk band BAUHAUS in 1979. This song fits perfectly here, and I might have guessed this song was part of the track listing without looking. Well done. "The Killing Moon" was originally a 1984 single by ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN. It's got a tough lyrical motif to duplicate and strings. Somehow they pull this cover off with ease! "Pet Sematary" was originally by punk band RAMONES, and released in 1989. This is a simple yet catchy song with a memorable chorus, and Rivera and friends make it work. The final cut is THE CULT's "Rain", from 1985. This is a solid cover, with plenty of excellent vocals from James Rivera and lots of guitars from Larry and Maurice.

Overall, this album is a fun listen. I recommend listening to the originals of these songs if you are not familiar with them. Every song here (except for the RAMONES song) was originally by an English artist. So how about Volume Two, featuring, I don't know -- "Atomic" by BLONDIE, "Freedom of Choice" by DEVO, and perhaps "Dead Man's Party" by OINGO BOINGO? And somehow I can envision a crushing version of THE CARS' "Moving In Stereo". Just an idea. New Wave Gone Metal will be released on July 28th by Massacre Records. Ride the Metal Wave!

4.2 Out Of 5.0