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Mean Streak: Metal Slave

Heavy Metal

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Black Lodge Records
www.myspace.com/meanstreaksweden
Review: Craig Hartranft,  09.14.2009

Traditional metal is making a comeback, and that is a very good thing. Another talented band on the edge of this renaissance is Sweden's Mean Streak. From the artwork to the charging melodic heavy metal music to the studs and leather uniforms, Metal Slave is fundamental metal with a strong historical foundation and a bristling modern production. (The production was handled by the band, but the mix was done by master producer Frederick Nordstrom (In Flames, HammerFall, et al.))

Metal Slave is a vigorous and entertaining metal work out from start to finish. Think the best of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and others from back in the day mixed with the nuances of modern masters like Primal Fear. Healthy doses of melody and ambitious vocal harmonies mix with a heavy riffs, a thundering rhythm section, and blistering guitar solos to create a fast paced and soaring platter of classic metal. Songs move from rocking straight up melodic heavy metal (Raise Your Hands, Rock City) to the more emotional and epic (Whom the Gods Love Die Young, The Seventh Sign). In the end, Mean Streak is quite adept a crafting a great metal song capturing and masterfully blending intensity and melody.

Classic melodic heavy metal has not been lost; Sweden's Mean Streak is another new master of a great tradition. Metal Slave powers along with intensity, infectious melodies and vocal harmonies, and soaring guitar solos. Heavy metal never sounded so good. Very recommended!

Classic melodic heavy metal has not been lost; Sweden's Mean Streak is another new master of a great tradition. Metal Slave powers along with intensity, infectious melodies and vocal harmonies, and soaring guitar solos. Heavy metal never sounded so good.

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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 ]