Recent Reviews

November 2024

October 2024

September 2024

August 2024

[ More Music Reviews ]


Altitudes + Attitude: Get It Out
Altitudes + Attitude - Get It Out Music Review

Altitudes + Attitude: Get It Out

Melodic Heavy Rock
4.0/5.0

Website Facebook
Megaforce Records
Released: 18.01.2019
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 09.01.2019

New American heavy rock band Altitudes + Attitude was formed by two obscure bass players Frank Bello and David Ellefson. Just kidding. We all know these two musicians, from Anthrax and Megadeth, respectively. While touring to do bass playing clinics, the duo found they had a kindred spirit for songwriting. In 2014, they dropped an eponymous three song EP. Now the bass players return with their full length debut, Get It Out, which offers ten new songs with the three EP songs as final bonus tracks. While the new album features the principal players, it also has more than a few rock and metal luminaries offering their guitar skills including Russ Parrish, Ace Frehley, Jon Donais, and Gus G.

Altitudes + Attitude Photo - Click For Larger Image

Altitudes + Attitude

From a spin or two of Get It Out, I came up with some quick observations. First, A+A do not play thrash metal. No, the musical flavor is more melodic heavy rock, perhaps with a bit of a modern twist. Second, Bello and Ellefson are really fine songwriters. In every song, they have a keen sense of melody, harmony, and groove. These can come from a catchy riff or melody, a memorable lyric, or simply an intentional hook in the arrangement. Additionally, the songs are potent in their efficiency, packing lots of power and pleasure in the classic three to four minute format. Third, Frank Bello is a terrific vocalist. With Anthrax he contributes background vocals, but here Bellow steps to the forefront. He has voice that is clean and controlled, and easily follows the melody, harmony, and rhythm of a song.

For the songs, simply, they rock. With all the songs the riffs, rhythm, and groove are lively and toe-tapping, wrapped in melody, and bristling with feisty guitar work. Then there's the vocal harmony guided by Bello's voice that sweetens many songs like Another Day or Talk To Me. Some songs simply grab your ears with their catchy AOR arena accessibility, such as Get It Out, Part Of Me, or Slip. In the middle of all this, Ellefson drops a spry instrumental which turns upon his bass line and some delectable guitar work from Russ Parrish (Steel Panther's Satchel). All in all, Altitudes + Attitude's Get It Out is one fine platter of modern American melodic heavy rock with lots of tasty tunes. Recommended.


Another Dangerdog Review
Devil's Hand 2018 Mike Slamer Andrew Freeman Music Review

Devil's Hand: Devil's Hand

Melodic Hard Rock/AOR
4.5/5.0

Milk and cookies. Peanut butter and jelly. Beer and bourbon. Good things that go together. Now you can add Devil's Hand, the new musical project that features ... [ Read More ]


CraigHartranft.net - New fiction, crime fiction by Craig Hartranft

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

The Bottom Line

All in all, Altitudes + Attitude's Get It Out is one fine platter of modern American melodic heavy rock with lots of tasty tunes. Recommended.

Find A Review

Alphabetical Index

a b c d e f g h i j
k l m n o p q r s t
u v w x y z #
New & Notable
Read the Lionville: Supernatural Album Review

eviewing my archives, I was pleased to find that I have had the privilege to review every Lionville since their self-titled debut in 2011. Formed by Stefano Lionetti, a songwriter, singer and guitarist based in ... [ Read More ]