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Fozzy: Chasing the Grail

Heavy Metal

Rating: 3.0/5.0

Riot Entertainment
www.fozzyrock.com
www.myspace.com/fozzytour
Review: Craig Hartranft,  01.31.2010

Maybe now the heavy metal gods and earthly gurus will take WWE wrestler Chris Jericho's Fozzy more seriously with their fourth album, Chasing the Grail. But I've been wrong before. Despite his love for all things classic metal, Chris Jericho and Fozzy have always seemed to be considered a novelty riding the coat tails of his "superstar" wrestling fame, or not. There may be too many contradictions here. Fozzy are hardly devoid of talent, though Jericho doesn't quite have the depth behind the microphone as his peers. And they invoke the promise of classic heavy metal circa 1982 except, of course, when the experiment with that dumbass non-metal rap metal as the did with the previous title, All That Remains. More Ritalin induced contradictions possibly?

Nevertheless, Chasing the Grail finds Fozzy and Jericho more mature and confident. Their sound is, unashamedly and fundamentally, based in the fertile ground of traditional metal, but heavily seasoned with modern overtones. Under Blackened Skies, Pray for Blood, and Martyr No More are both whole and schizophrenic with a foot in both camps. Then again Let the Madness Begin and the quasi-ballad Broken Soul are effortless examples of heavy metal's adolescence. Revival is a bit curious as it begins with a Led Zeppelin feel circa Physical Graffiti, but quickly devolves into modern rock. The most surprising piece may be the last, which is also the longest, where Fozzy ventures into the epic power metal arena with a slight progressive tone.

Heavy metal skeptics be damned, with Chasing the Grail Fozzy may finally gain the recognition they deserve for their talent and passion for heavy metal. Solid and enjoyable as they bend traditional heavy metal into a modern mold, Chasing the Grail may impress and entertain with repeated spins.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

Heavy metal skeptics be damned, with Chasing the Grail Fozzy may finally gain the recognition they deserve for their talent and passion for classic heavy metal. Solid and enjoyable as they bend traditional heavy metal into a modern mold, Chasing the Grail may impress and entertain with repeated spins.

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