Rusted Icons

This is a really good album. There are many influences heard on this album. but the Maiden and Megadeth influences are heard most. Actually it sounds like if Megadeth (ala 1990 or 1992) and Maiden fused together. They made the rythym guitar sound's too much like Countdown To Extinction in that theres too much gain. The drums are probably the best here. There's a lot of catchiness throughout, and deserves a few listens. This is plainly heavy metal.

Probably the best song here is the first track. With the obvious Maiden/Priest influence in the beginning, the onto an "Am I Evil" type of build-up, and then with a nice rythym. The leads are very well made and the chorus is really good. It then moves onto Fire to the Coals. Another enjoyable track. The main riff is very catchy and the leads fit all too well. There's 'Deth written all over this one.

Tribulation has some nice vocal harmonies with an Iced Earth sounding riff mixed in. This is melodic and dark at the same time. the mid section is fucking UP THE IRONS here. The guitarists can play.

Waiting starts off with some heavy breakdowns and riffs reminiscent of RTL Metallica and some Watchtower tendencies. It gets dark, but still has good flow. Kinda off key part in the chorus or something, but it doesnt really detract from the song.

Wretched Ways is like a lighter Iced Earth, along the lines of SWTWC. It's quite interesting. Obviously the vocals are not Barlow-esque, but it's still good. Nothing spectacular though.

Captive State of Mind is very melodic. It's nice until that guitar sound comes in. Before, you dont really bash on the sound, but here with it's gloshy sound, it really takes away from the emotion from the verses. And this song also makes you notice the singer doesnt have the greatest range. This is not a bad song whatsoever, but it shows the flaws you dont notice until now. If this was taken out id probably give this a much better rating. If this song started at the 4 minute mark, or slightly alterted other parts before, itd fit much better in the album. They repeat part from the beginning, but with more distortion and more power, and sounds much better than before.

Sands of Time is like the previous song, but doesnt reveal the singer's lack of range as much, since a lot is more mid-range. Everything fits better than before, but it's a little too catchy. I think these guys should use their albility to make baladic or more melodic material sparingly. I will admit the acoustic leads are nice.

The final track, the title track, is very epic-like. This is a great chanting song and explodes all over the place. This is a great song. A nice ending to the album. This is a band to watch out for.

Basically, if you like heavy fucking metal, you'll like this. There's no bull shit here, just metal! Get this, or download it off their site.