Rival State of Mind
Metal Blade Records 3958-14471-2 18.05.04
By Anna Novitzky
Sometimes I really cant work out why people bother. Seriously. I mean, surely the point of creating a piece of music is to say something, to expose the world to something new and exciting or at least interesting that, hopefully, no one else has said before. When youre just repeating things that have been said a thousand times before, its time to hang up your recording contract and take up a career in chartered accountancy. Welcome to the dull, dull world of Rival please leave your brain by the door.
State of Mind is one of those albums where you can just pick out the influences. Theres early Metallica, that over there is a spot of Iron Maiden, and whats this coming up? Oh, thats middle-era Metallica allied with every power metal band youve ever heard in your life. It doesnt even have the strength of will to be uniquely bad; its just terribly, mind-numbingly, bland and average. Filled from beginning to end with power metal clichés widdling guitar solos, completely random and misplaced sound effects, shouted repetition of odd words for no clear reason this album is about as interesting and original as half a reheated microwave dinner.
On the plus side, the bands logo is very pretty. At least its not all bad.
2/10
Official Rival website
Official Metal Blade website
Metal Blade Records 3958-14471-2 18.05.04
By Anna Novitzky
Sometimes I really cant work out why people bother. Seriously. I mean, surely the point of creating a piece of music is to say something, to expose the world to something new and exciting or at least interesting that, hopefully, no one else has said before. When youre just repeating things that have been said a thousand times before, its time to hang up your recording contract and take up a career in chartered accountancy. Welcome to the dull, dull world of Rival please leave your brain by the door.
State of Mind is one of those albums where you can just pick out the influences. Theres early Metallica, that over there is a spot of Iron Maiden, and whats this coming up? Oh, thats middle-era Metallica allied with every power metal band youve ever heard in your life. It doesnt even have the strength of will to be uniquely bad; its just terribly, mind-numbingly, bland and average. Filled from beginning to end with power metal clichés widdling guitar solos, completely random and misplaced sound effects, shouted repetition of odd words for no clear reason this album is about as interesting and original as half a reheated microwave dinner.
On the plus side, the bands logo is very pretty. At least its not all bad.
2/10
Official Rival website
Official Metal Blade website
