Where Are You?

Screamer
Power-progressive metal

Let's talk about an obscure band that never gets any respect. Screamer released a marvelous record in 1988 called "Target Earth". The album proved to be a cult metal sensation, recalling the finest moments of "Piece Of Mind" era Maiden and "Awaken The Guardian" era Fates Warning. After that fabulous gem, the group disappeared forever. I want to know why.

Very little is known about Screamer, with my tired little digits scanning the web for any hint of the band's existence. Unfortunately all I have to go off of is the CD I own, that being the group's only album "Target Earth", a rare find indeed. From the info inside it looks like Screamer were from Chicago, Illinois, home of one of metal's finest, the doomy legends Trouble. The album was recorded at Streetville Studios in Chicago and mixed, produced, and mastered by Tim Hale. The album was released by New Renaissance Records, who made their mark releasing classic albums from Anvil Bitch, At War, and Hellion.

Musically Screamer are very traditional, combining twin guitar harmony with a driving bass rhythm that is slightly in the same vein as Steve Harris (Iron Maiden), but at times more rigid like D.D. Verni's playing (Overkill). Ronny Valeo and Michael Schantek combine on some perfectly penned guitar work, really taking the time to deliver quality axework with melody, precision, and accuracy, displaying soaring leads whenever possible, and driving forward with a will to captivate their listener with calculated riffs.

Vocalist Bill Carter is absolutely brilliant here, hitting Geoff Tate highs (Queensryche) and carrying the notes for what seems like an eternity. Rarely does a vocalist achieve this level of greatness. At times his voice is like Warrel Dane (Sanctuary era) crossed with Ronnie James Dio. The melodic nature of his voice fits perfectly with this band, making Screamer the heavy metal version of Journey.

From soaring stormbringers like "Visionary" to the new wave influenced "Time Master", Screamer show off a talent and ability to take control, to rule over everything and everyone in a time when metal was supreme. Bands like Screamer rarely come along, and when they do they take the world by storm. For whatever reason Screamer never got the proper push, their intense energy and thought provoking tales were never heard. This is the band that should have been touring with Queensryche or Maiden.

This is the band that got left behind. Somehow they became lost to us, and one treasured album is all that is left.

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In 2008, Screamer released the album 'What Excites You'.


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