Pump - Breakdown to Breakthrough
Metal Heaven - 00018 - March 17, 2006
by Amanda J. Carlson
Finally a present-day band of the classic heavy rock style that doesnt irritate me. Pump puts the emphasis on heavy, and they milk the Judas Priest influence for all its worth. The album is light on the 80s cheese, fleshed out with tight songwriting and production that fits it nicely into 2006. The vocals are of the raw breed, but carry a melodic merit that not only fits the music nicely, its perhaps one of the most impressive qualities heard here.
"Blood on the Blade" sounds so much like a Priest song (in a good way) in both heavy catchiness and guitar solo. The repetitiveness of the chorus in that tune isnt as bothersome as some of those that follow. Thats obviously part of the style and could explain why classic rock doesnt always do it for me. These are very radio-friendly songs, as heavy as some of them are. They really lay on the cheese with "Bulletride." I mean, the lyrics 'ride, ride, ride, ride the bullet,' could not get any cheesier. Pump do redeem themselves with "Heaven High," the finest song on the album. Its the vocals that make the straightforward structure and very plain riff work for me.
It does seem like Ive been contradicting myself. Upon first listen Pump rocks, the overall raw and heavy energy peaking my interest. Listening again and again, those little things jump out and take away from whats good. But they arent sloppy, they can put together some damn good tunes, but in the vein of traditional heavy rock, theres only so much room for greatness.
6/10
UM's Review Rating Scale
Pump Official Website
Metal Heaven Official Website
Metal Heaven - 00018 - March 17, 2006
by Amanda J. Carlson
Finally a present-day band of the classic heavy rock style that doesnt irritate me. Pump puts the emphasis on heavy, and they milk the Judas Priest influence for all its worth. The album is light on the 80s cheese, fleshed out with tight songwriting and production that fits it nicely into 2006. The vocals are of the raw breed, but carry a melodic merit that not only fits the music nicely, its perhaps one of the most impressive qualities heard here.
"Blood on the Blade" sounds so much like a Priest song (in a good way) in both heavy catchiness and guitar solo. The repetitiveness of the chorus in that tune isnt as bothersome as some of those that follow. Thats obviously part of the style and could explain why classic rock doesnt always do it for me. These are very radio-friendly songs, as heavy as some of them are. They really lay on the cheese with "Bulletride." I mean, the lyrics 'ride, ride, ride, ride the bullet,' could not get any cheesier. Pump do redeem themselves with "Heaven High," the finest song on the album. Its the vocals that make the straightforward structure and very plain riff work for me.
It does seem like Ive been contradicting myself. Upon first listen Pump rocks, the overall raw and heavy energy peaking my interest. Listening again and again, those little things jump out and take away from whats good. But they arent sloppy, they can put together some damn good tunes, but in the vein of traditional heavy rock, theres only so much room for greatness.
6/10
UM's Review Rating Scale
Pump Official Website
Metal Heaven Official Website
