Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Sebastian Bach Angel Down Company: MRV Release: 2007 Reviewer: Strutter Genre: Hard Rock

Rating 3.5

Bach is back but bucking the ballad

Sometimes anticipation is a problematic thing. As one of the most recognizable and enigmatic voices in rock, Sebastian Bach's new cd "Angel Down", has been circling on the musical radar for awhile now. Alas, whatever tracking system Bach was using to identify the range, altitude, direction, or speed of this fixed object seems to be slightly off in its equation. What Bach is transmitting is tolerable, at times even good but for someone with Bach's vocal range, the collection that makes up "Angel Down" is not truly highlighting Bach's talents as a lead man, it is however highlighting what he can do when producing a tried and true Metal cd and screaming on cue. He has moved from rock to metal to 'screamo'. And screamo it is, as every song makes the listener feel the powerful desire to offer the man a throat lozenge and a cup of herbal tea. Backed by Mike Chlasciak, Bobby Jarzombek, Steve DiGiorgio, and guitarist Johnny Chromatic the "band" is tight and able to execute powerful riffs, fills and thumps, but the same diversity that is inherent within this troupe gives the cd an slight uneven feel and at 14 tracks, it is roughly 4 tracks too long. A lot of Bach at this octave goes a long way. In fairness "Angel Down" is Bach's first true solo album in eight years and it is clear he is moving artistically in a new more raw direction. So, wait and hear as Bach is spending the Summer of 2008 playing with Poison and Dokken & has been working on new songs with Jamey Jasta from HATEBREED, for the follow up to his Angel Down CD. If you are true diehard fan of the "Slave to the Grind" days, this cd may not be your size. Bach is back but bucking the ballad. Noteworthy tracks include his cover of "Back in the Saddle" with Axl Rose, "Take You Down With me", "American Metalhead" with "You Bring Me Down" emerging as the crowning glory.