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On Top: Top Dollar EP

Heavy/Speed Metal

4.0/5.0

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HPGD Productions
Review: Craig Hartranft
Added: 02.08.2017

Taking a break from his gig with Philadelphia's Mach22, On Top founder, bass player, and vocalist Jaron Gulino found time to hit the studio with some new tunes. With something to be said for On Top's consistency, Top Dollar is the third EP in four years, another recording with "Top" in the title, and another album with a new guitar player. This time On Top borrows Ric Haas from Mach22.

On Top

Also consistent and constant is the On Top sound, which is basically speedy, metal-infused heavy rock. Developing that bit further, this power trio delivers songs with razor sharp riffage, lightning guitar solos, a tenacious and sturdy rhythm section, and then wrap these things in speed metal with a rock groove. But that's not to slight melody and harmony. On Top stick to their old school heavy metal motif with melody and harmony in both guitar and vocal arrangements. Gulino sings clean and melodic, with more than a little punk edge to his voice. Finally, On Top songs are catchy, with hooks in riffage and refrains.

As for the four songs, things basically jump from the gate and hurtle along. Lovin' The Devil is speed racing in its groove. Walk The Walk shows how easily On Top can create a catchy heavy rock tune, especially with the chorus, yet still keep that metal edge. Alternatively, the speedy Everything is led by the opening riffage and following guitar line straight from the start. The final cut, This Way is another horse race, but settles down about two and half minutes in for a fine guitar solo with Gulino's bass echoing underneath.

Suffice to say, with Top Dollar, On Top hits the mark once more, delivering catchy, and speedy, heavy rock with a strong metal edge. 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.

With Top Dollar, On Top hits the mark once more, delivering catchy, and speedy, heavy rock with a strong metal edge. Recommended.

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The Powell Payne project, created in 2022 is the collaboration of Mark "Penfold Powell (ex-drummer of Psycho Kiss) and Adam Payne (former vocalist of Airrace). With guitarist Adam Davies and keyboard player ... [ Read More ]