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Vainglory
Vainglory
(Rebellion Records)
Ever get the feeling that most domestic-based Heavy Metal bands lack the musical conviction and lyrical sincerity of their European counterparts? Stop and actually think about it for a second or two. Although I’ll be the first to admit I wholeheartedly enjoy the now pioneering works of early Metallica, Megadeth and Slayer as much--if not more--than the average self-proclaimed music geek, I frequently find myself disappointed by the lack of quality that often characterizes the output of many “American” groups. Accordingly, it’s not often that I am afforded a genuine opportunity to use descriptives such as ‘…a breath of fresh air…’ while keeping a straight face. Fortunately for all parties involved, this is most definitely not the case with the much-anticipated sophomore effort from Atlanta, Georgia-based quintet Vainglory.
On the brilliant Vainglory (2006), an expertly assembled twelve song collection of uncompromisingly punishing (and arguably Power and Progressive-tinged) Heavy Metal, each track, beginning with the relentlessly pummeling “Walking Dead”, and the ridiculously exhaustive “The Only Way I Know”, immediately commands the rapt and undivided attention of all parties involved--most notably myself--via a seamless, frequently full-throttle barrage of searing vocals, scalding fretwork and unusually abusive rhythms. Undoubtedly attempting to engulf the average listener amid an ensemble that will hopefully inspire both multiple spins and earn the fledgling act more than a few new fans, the group’s multi-layered attack batters one’s senses like a runaway truck, leaving the listener bruised and broken…but oddly satisfied.
Continuing with the smoldering, emotion-laden “Undying Love”, and the appropriately thunderous “Act Of God”, the steadfast--to say the very least--combination of former Chastain vocalist Kate French (replacing the inexplicably absent Ted Brasier, who was at the helm for the group’s debut), lead guitarist/songwriter Corbin King, rhythm guitarist John Michael Youngblood, bassist Chris Banja and drummer Dan Lynch steamroll ahead like the well-oiled machine they have obviously become. Refusing to conform to the downtrodden, tried and true formulas so often embraced by the so-called crem de la crem of the mainstream, the group stomps, twists and turns through each carefully crafted composition with an almost sickening ease, proving themselves easily worthy of the highest of critical accolades.
Co-produced by French and King (with King also deftly handling the mixing and mastering duties) at Atlanta, Georgia-based King Studios, other standouts, including the blistering “Endlessly”, and the roaring, equally impressive closer “My Living Hell”, only further solidify the group’s already burgeoning reputation as a creative force not to be ignored, a characteristic that instantly sets the ferocious fivesome apart fro their few would-be contemporaries. Even if you somehow find yourself unable--or you are simply reluctant--to openly embrace the group’s obvious focus on figuratively decapitating the occasional non-believer (hey…you definitely know who you are), one must, at the very least, sincerely admire the group’s ability to effectively harness the finest elements of a bygone era without sounding forced or dated.
So you’re still not sure you’ll like it? C’mon, man…what in the hell have you honestly got to loose? An absolute must have for those of those of us that continue to mourn the apparently rapidly declining ‘…traditional…’ (i.e. Old School) Heavy Metal genre, the majority--if not all--of the decidedly fierce, over-the-top wares contained herein resonate throughout with enough bad ass attitude, intelligent songwriting and airtight musicianship to seemingly satisfy even the most absurdly dedicated of die-hards. Thus, if you’ve once again found yourself in search of a fist-pumping, mosh-inducing alternative to the painfully mindless bullshit that is so often force fed en mass (gee…I just can’t freakin’ wait for the new Korn album) then this, my friends, might just be what the doctor ordered. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
Select Corbin King Discography
Vainglory (2006) *
Sense Your Darkness (2005) ***
Destination (2004) **
2050 (2001) *
* as a member of Vainglory
** as a member of Kinrick
*** as a solo artist