Released: Jan 8, 2013
Genre: Heavy Metal, Thrash Metal
Label: Chophouse Records
Number Of Tracks: 4
It's pretty old-school heavy metal. During the 80's/90's, metal songs were full of energy and attitude. And Newsted captures that energy pretty well.
Metal [EP]
Reviewed by:
Aryan Death Man, on january 10, 2013 5 of 7 people found this review helpful
Sound: After quitting Metallica back in 2001, Jason Newsted decided to form his own band under his own name. He hired some of his close friends and made his dream project come true. The first time I heard all the songs, it felt like it was an album made in the 80's or 90's (which isn't a bad thing). It's pretty old-school heavy metal. During those decades, metal songs were full of energy and attitude. And Newsted captures that energy pretty well.
The songs and riffs are very synonymous with Motörhead. Newsted's vocal is a mix-up of Lemmy and Testament's Chuck Billy. There was no doubt that, he was the best back-vocals of Metallica. But I had no idea that his vocals are that good. In terms of innovation and creativity, there's nothing we never heard of. It's a nostalgic ride to the "never lands" of heavy metal. // 8
Lyrics and Singing: If any word that sums up the lyrics of "Metal", it's "attitude". Like in the opening track "Soldierhead". There's lines like "I'll Make The Devil Sell His Soul". It really does pumps you up and makes you want to "headbang" (preferably Newsted's way of headbang). The music and the riffs matches superbly as well. Most of us has no idea about the guitarist (Jessie Farnsworth) and the drummer (Jesus Mendez Jr). But I have to say that, they've done a decent job. The riffs are top-class.
As for Jason "Jasonic" Newsted, his bass works are pretty awesome in "Soldierhead" (particularly in the bridge) and "King Of The Underdogs". And his vocals (as I said before) is mix-up of Lemmy and Chuck Billy. He has so much character in his vocals, they go on the with the songs and the lyrics pretty well. He is a fantastic composer. After all, he wrote "Blackened", "My Friend Of Misery" and "Where The Wild Things Are". Overall, I'm very impressed with the lyrics and vocals. Especially with the vocals. // 8
Impression: Here's a review of each songs:
1. "Soldierhead": The opening track is "over the top" metal song. It's probably the best song in this EP. The bridge is pretty awesome. Towards the end, it has a good solo (Nothing special though).
2. "Godsnake": Another awesome track. It has the crunch you want in a heavy metal song. The guitar works are top notch.
3. "King Of The Underdogs": This song is as impressive as the previous two. The solo has a "horror" feel to it. The ending is intense, which lefts you screaming "I'm the king of the underdogs". I know Metallica fans will find something similar, right at the end.
4. "Skyscraper": This song carries the momentum of the album. It is the longest song in the EP. But it is equally impressive.
This is an EP, which left you reeling for more. I hope this becomes a hit in the metal community. I love how Newsted decided to capture the energy of heavy metal. I wish they had a little more variety in their songs. But I'm not gonna blame them, as this is only a 4 song EP.
If you like old school metal or if you're a fan of Metallica, Motörhead, Testament, you're gonna love it. I suggest all the metal fans to buy this. Otherwise, you are missing an epic ride. And I sincerely hope that this project continues. As there are not many bands that can capture the essence of Heavy Metal as "Newsted & Co." does.
You're judging audio quality from a Youtube video? Or have you heard the full thing?
Either way, I've come to accept bands I like have their own ideas on production, and if it works for them, it's not my job to say otherwise. It's their vision, not ours.
I liked "Soldierhead" and "Skyscraper". "Godsnake" and "King of the Underdogs" were nothing special. It's not a bad start, but I hope the next effort takes it up a notch. Thrash needs more bands who know what they're doing.
I like it, but I think part of the reason it'll get the attention is because Newstead is a former Metallica bass player. It's nothing like super revolutionary or mind blowing. I think what I'm getting at is if some no-name band did this, it might be heard a bit, but it's not a "dude you gotta check this out!", sort of album.
Great review. While it's not revolutionary, neither are Motorhead or AC/DC (at least in recent years) but you still love 'em and get amped up by the music. I get same vibe with Newsted. I don't see this project being diverse or pushing the envelop but I'm still excited for the next EP or album
I hope for a clearer sound on the album. It's true that metal should have a raw sound to it, but it shouldn't sound like crap either. Still good songs though, really looking forward to hear more!
I agree here. I really want to like this but it just isn't doing anything overly special for me. Seems to lack energy somewhere. Maybe it's the mix, maybe it's the songs. Not sure. I'll give it many more listens and see what happens. I usually don't fully judge music after one listen, unless it's just obvious, utter crap.
I love Jason but this video is terrible and the song production reminds me of St. Anger. He is better than this, hopefully there's better tracks on the album.
Not bad. Not to sound like a jerk, but Jason really needs to shave or get a haircut; as of right now, he looks like a really angry Mr. Noodle from Sesame Street .
I am actually surprised how fantastic theese tracks where. Jason has really proved that he is a fantastic metal musician, if anybody ever doubted that.
I bought the EP on Itunes and I love it. I think his vocals sound more a cross between Lemmy and Chad Grey. I'm glad he came out and did his own thing.
Can't say I like it at all, sounds very generic, especially the singing LOL. Might be good for video-game music or something. Certainly not "classic" sounding at all. Also the sound/production is pretty bad.
Sorry to tare it apart like that but we are all entitled to our own opinion.
![Metal [EP]](/reviews/images/10_42085_42086.jpg)
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