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Metal/Prog Metal CD Reviews

Gutter Creek

Gutter Creek

Review by Gary Hill

While this gets a little technical at times, I think it lands more along the lines of bands like Accept, AC/DC and Saxon a lot of the time. Throw in some Scorpions and Judas Priest and you have a more complete picture. The bonus track is an unusual choice that works pretty well and brings something different to the table.

This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2022  Volume 6. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2022.

Track by Track Review
At Peace With Misery
A meaty metal grind brings the album into being. This is a fierce stomper that has both Judas Priest and Accept leanings in place. Those are the two that jump right out at me, but this has plenty of other things going on.
Never Back Down

This is a mean metal monster. It's gritty, but also screaming hot. That Accept thing seems more on track here. This thing gets pretty intense at times.

No Slave Religion
Some of the stuff in the background on the introduction here almost feels fusion-like. The guitar soloing on the introduction is intense and technical. The song works out from there to something that feels more mainstream metal oriented. There is some real ferocity built into this thing. There is an acapella chorus at the end of the track.
Hellryder
More rock and roll based, this is still crunched up and definitely metallic. This makes me think of the old-time rock and roll medley on Scorpions' Tokyo Tapes album. Comparisons to AC/DC are valid, too. There are some definite hints of Southern rock at times, too. The instrumental section later really focuses on the rock and roll angle.
Slipping Through The Scars
No molds are broken here, but this is an effective metal screamer. It has some particularly strong guitar soloing. It's one of the most easily accessible things here.
Nomad
The riff that opens this makes me think of Queensrÿche for some reason. This isn't a huge change from anything else here, but it just works so well. I think this is one of the highlights for me. It's just so meaty.
Serpent King
Hard rocking sounds like AC/DC merge with more pure metal elements on this screamer. This is another that at times makes me think of Accept. That said, there are some definite Scorpions vibes in some ways, too.
Mesmerized
Not a big change, this stomper works well. It's another that's perhaps a little catchier than some of the others here.
Silent Killers
The riff that leads this track out of the gate has some real rock and roll built into it. This is a screaming hot, fierce metal stomper. The guitar solo is one of the best of the set.
Bonus Track
                      
Heart of Gold

This bonus track is a metal cover of the classic Neil Young song. Certainly, it doesn't come anything near to the original. That song is untouchable, but they really do make it their own, and this is cool.

 
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