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Shock: Once Denied

Heavy Metal

4.5/5.0

Website Facebook YouTube
Unsigned / Self-released
by Craig Hartranft,  05.23.2013

Better than 25 years Canada's Shock was opening for the metal giants of the day like Megadeth, Motorhead, Anthrax, and Metal Church, besides touring and headlining themselves in Eastern Canada. Despite these credentials, Shock was denied a suitable recording contract, and broke up in 1990.

Shock: back in black.

Reunited with three original members, Tony V, John Tennant, Steve Monette, and new drummer Chad Walls, Once Denied is both a testimony to their history and resurrection. It's a fiery album of classic melodic heavy metal, with nuances of speed and power metal. Strong clean vocals, roaring guitar solos, and a raging rhythm section propel this band and their music.

Once Denied might by summarized by the song Full Speed Ahead, a break neck speed metal gallop. But that's only once side of the band. Slashing to Live, Paths to Glory, or the mighty catchy I'm Dangerous take a more steady pace, often mixing things up with dramatic tempo changes. Paths of Glory is a good example. Taking a cue from the peers of the time, with Flaming Towards Earth you might hear echoes of Judas Priest, at the very least in Tony V's vocals and the similar lyrical theme. Perhaps the only disappointment is that this a rather short album. Even with eight songs, it only clocks at less than 35 minutes. Alternatively, Shock packs a truckload of metal in those minutes. Overall, Once Denied is powerful and entertaining classic heavy metal; it's hard to believe Shock was passed over by any label back in the day. It's good to have them back. Easily recommended.

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

Once Denied is powerful and entertaining classic heavy metal; it's hard to believe Shock was passed over by any label back in the day. It's good to have them back. Easily recommended.

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Now entering their second decade in music biz, Sweden's Wildness returns with latest and fourth studio album, Avenger. Band personnel has remained consistent for the last four years with the addition of Erik ... [ Read More ]