Following in the same path that cleverly relates to a more straight forward metal stance of band like Blind Guardian, Savatage, and Iced Earth,
Easy Rider comes forth with their fourth offering, and second with vocalist Ron Finn, with yet another record to bring the basics of metal up front.
Offering the sub-technical rhythmic structure for technicalities sake, guitar riffs and leads offering the typical shred arpeggios, as well as the gravely vocal texture of Finn, to create strong cuts with the churning punch creating Animal's extremely heavy atmosphere, and don't get me wrong this album is fucking heavy.
Featuring more or less bright production endurance to quick paced cuts such as
"Visions," "Casting the Shadow of Sin," and
"Walls of Hatred," bringing the crunch to the table, not to mention groove driven cuts like the moody
"Suddenly," the ballad turned aggression found within the dark
"Future Kill," and a "hidden" track at the end of the album, an emotional acoustic ballad no doubt, providing the differentiated structure on the record. Although
Animal stays consistent throughout, it makes for a good rush of heavily endured energy, making itself standout without the need of any overtly progressive, making this record more stripped down as far as production work goes, but yet sonically, it remains very discreetly mixed, aligned for the guitar lead fills that compliment the cuts, not to mention, the musicianship is key here, and it shows.
Good record, no shortage of headbanging aggression, having its moments here and there, hooks and other memorable riffs found within the choruses. Looking for a more down to earth metal record, check this one out.
Written by
Hashman Monday, March 29, 2004
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