Spring Break
CD Review: The Showdown
"Temptation Come My Way"
Issue date: 4/6/07 Section: The Edge
- Page 1 of 1
Sometimes a band puts out its debut record with high hopes of fame and fortune, but for most, it doesn't work out that way. Much like 10 Years' second album, "The Autumn Effect," The Showdown's "Temptation Come My Way" will be seen as the record that made the band famous.
This album is completely different from the band's first, "A Chorus of Obliteration," which had a very strong metalcore sound. Though it was good, it sounded too similar to albums from bands already in existence. The Showdown, however, definitely has its own sound on "Temptation Come My Way."
It is much more rock-oriented and contains almost no screaming - a huge change from the first album.
On March 21, it was announced that The Showdown would be playing at Ozzfest 2007. It's funny that this album got the band there since this locale is known as a "down and dirty" stage that normally features the heaviest of the Ozzfest bands. This year, the band will share the stage with Hatebreed, 3 Inches of Blood, Nile and others.
As unique as The Showdown's new sound is, you can really tell what bands influenced the members for this project. Most noticeable is the intro of "Head Down," which sounds much like Def Leppard's "Pour Some Sugar On Me." Zakk Wylde's sound makes its way into "Fanatics and Whores" in the opening guitar lick. The classic rock roots are obvious in these tracks.
The band even does a cover of Kansas's "Carry On My Wayward Son." This is a risky move, because The Showdown is still relatively unknown. The track is fine, but the members didn't bring much to it that wasn't already there besides down-tuned guitars and some extra guitar squeals. It probably would have been better to put another original on the disc instead of the cover.
The musicianship on the record is incredible; these guys are young, but they know how to make good music. The singer creates great melodies, but unfortunately, the band usually features backing vocals, making it hard for vocalists to stand out. That is probably the biggest problem with the album: The vocals don't jump out at you.
All in all, the CD is very good for only a second attempt. These guys are young and building momentum, so expect to hear more from them in the future.
-Lucas Ketchum
edge staff
This album is completely different from the band's first, "A Chorus of Obliteration," which had a very strong metalcore sound. Though it was good, it sounded too similar to albums from bands already in existence. The Showdown, however, definitely has its own sound on "Temptation Come My Way."
It is much more rock-oriented and contains almost no screaming - a huge change from the first album.
On March 21, it was announced that The Showdown would be playing at Ozzfest 2007. It's funny that this album got the band there since this locale is known as a "down and dirty" stage that normally features the heaviest of the Ozzfest bands. This year, the band will share the stage with Hatebreed, 3 Inches of Blood, Nile and others.
As unique as The Showdown's new sound is, you can really tell what bands influenced the members for this project. Most noticeable is the intro of "Head Down," which sounds much like Def Leppard's "Pour Some Sugar On Me." Zakk Wylde's sound makes its way into "Fanatics and Whores" in the opening guitar lick. The classic rock roots are obvious in these tracks.
The band even does a cover of Kansas's "Carry On My Wayward Son." This is a risky move, because The Showdown is still relatively unknown. The track is fine, but the members didn't bring much to it that wasn't already there besides down-tuned guitars and some extra guitar squeals. It probably would have been better to put another original on the disc instead of the cover.
The musicianship on the record is incredible; these guys are young, but they know how to make good music. The singer creates great melodies, but unfortunately, the band usually features backing vocals, making it hard for vocalists to stand out. That is probably the biggest problem with the album: The vocals don't jump out at you.
All in all, the CD is very good for only a second attempt. These guys are young and building momentum, so expect to hear more from them in the future.
-Lucas Ketchum
edge staff
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