I read a blurb about this band on the Internet but the information focused on K.K. Downing’s (Judas Priest) input more than the band or the music. I don’t know if it’s a good thing that Downing worked with Violent Storm or not. On one hand, his presence makes the CD more newsworthy but on the other, his name might over shadow this solid metal release. Not only that, but you throw Yngwie Malmsteen and Roy Z (additional guests on the CD) into the mix and people might forget that there is a good band underneath all the “star” names. Musically, Violent Storm is your basic heavy metal style. The guys are not breaking any new ground. But that is OK when it is played this well. Sometimes metal should just be metal without all of those outside influences from other genres. Matt Reardon sings well and takes a more natural approach to his singing. He doesn’t do the screaming style we associate with metal (i.e. Judas Priest). The guitars are also solid and even though some of the styles of Downing, Malmsteen, and Z come through, I don’t think it made that much of a difference. The songs would have been just as good had these contributions not been added. I’ve listened to this record a few times now and it really grows on you with each added play. The album is only a little over a half hour long but there is not a bad tune in the bunch. If you’re looking for something new sounding, you won’t find it here but if you want a good old fashioned metal album, then pick this one up. It will fit the bill perfectly.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2007 Volume 2 at lulu.com/strangesound.