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Metal/Prog Metal CD Reviews

Creozoth Creozoth Review by Lisa Palmeno Creozoth released their first album on October 25, with a veteran packed line-up: lead guitarist Lars Johansson (Candlemass); Jan Lindh (Candlemass) on drums; lead singer Michael Storck (X-Plode, Yngwie Malmsteen); and Tobbe Moen (ex-Redfun, OZ) on bass. Produced by Johansson and recorded at his studio in Sweden, thirteen tracks grace Creozoth's debut CD. "Dash" and "Spectorized" are the only two songs that are under three minutes in length; the majority of them are four-, five-, and six-minutes-plus. In true underworld fashion, the album and the songs are long, and the playing is commendable. Critical remarks are set forth and philosophical questions are asked as the seasoned musicians strut their stuff. This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2006 Volume 1 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Track by Track Review

With The Flow A steady flow of elongated guitar riffs and reverberated vocals keep this metal introduction moving at a rapid pace.

Stares Back Lindh keeps the high-hat busy on "Stares Back" as the singer talks about one who won't see the truth. Electric shocks of guitar waves are sent through the air for ambience.

Forsaken Horror-flick scary and heavy, heavy metal, "Forsaken" covers the story of Jesus' words on the cross.

Minute U Die Questions about the hereafter and the validity of Christianity are brought to the table with this pressurized treatment of man's never-ending concern with the moment of death.

Intoxicatedead The vocal and instrumental phrasing on "Intoxicatedead" share characteristics with Black's Sabbath's "Iron Man," especially early in the tune. Whining, melodic guitar solos break up the darkness with rays of light.

For Your Amusement Clipped timings trim the steady gallop of this echoing opera that sets the stage for the feature of the album: A classical frenzy runs on the fret board.

Watch 'n Wait Tension builds during appropriate sustains and drum rolls to evoke the sense of actually having to "Watch 'n Wait." The tempos finally slow at this point in the album providing a break from the rat race pace of the first half.

State of Shock Two chords alternate throughout "State of Shock," a basic metal offering. The bridge is interesting and well-crafted, and the ending reverbed lyrics "shocked, shocked, shocked" will catch listeners' attention.

Bad Day Inconsistent in tempo, mood and timing, the chaotic composition depicts the off-feeling of a very bad day. Like many of the songs before "Bad Day," everything is set up for Johansson's expert riffs.

Mind "I must be dreaming, if you are screaming" is the motif of this ethereal drama. "Mind" is a highlight of the CD.

You Don't Know Bass-driven and tough, this tune is slow and purposeful in discussing a pessimist's outlook.

Dash The delayed timing and spectacular riffs sound like the beginning of the end of the album rather than an actual song.

Spectorized A light and airy melody is plucked, serving as both string and percussion instruments. A faintly-noticeable synthesizer lays a backdrop for this coda.

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