This Mechanix has to be better than NPTR.
It is to Stadler!
Kade, hopefully you post some thoughts over the weekend on the first MSG album.
Alright. Sorry mate, I've meant to chime in more but had a rotten week at work so been a bit buys.
As mentioned I purchased a 5cd set of MSG a few back based on your recommendations. I liked them, but I don't think I was really ready as I was into much harder stuff as you know. This is the perfect segway to get back into them and try them again.
I'm not the biggest fan of Gary Barden's voice. He's an adequate vocalist, but for me, there' just nothing really special about his job. He's your 'meat and potatoes' hard rock singer. Gets the job done and fine to listen to, but there's no trimmings or fancy extras. It doesn't stop me enjoying this here though;
Armed and Ready: Love the simplicity of the riff and this song is a highlight. Great opener. Gary actually sounds nice and strong here. The chorus builds some great tension and the resolve into the main riff again is cool. The solo is boss. Michael's note choices with the chord changes is just splendid. Those couple of licks at 2:29 are brilliant.
Nations: Pretty moody rocker this and I don't mind this as the second song. Has a nice atmosphere. The chorus didn't strike me on first listen, but after a couple more, I understand it more. Shenker ripping over that march like beat is really strong. This song reminds me a little of UDO or Accepts moodier stuff.
Illusion: Such a simple, generic riff here but it works surprisngly well. Sounds like this riff has been used a thousand times, but who gives a shit? Not too hot on Barden on this one but it's okay. I like the swagger of the chorus here, nice groove that rolls along and you can just feel a really ripping solo coming on, and it doesn't disappoint. The key changes work so damn well here. One thing I've notice with Shenker is his accent on the right notes to the chords and when there's key changes, he excels and lifts depening on where the key is going. That's evident here. Love the bluesy contrast in his solo at the end.
Bijou: Nice interlude with some fancy neo-classical stuff going on here. I hear Jason Becker around the one minute mark for sure here.
Good Things: Pretty filler this one, but there's nothing wrong with it. Can't say much about it however. It's fine and Michaels' blues licks are nice.
Arena: Wow! So much Iron Maiden in that riff, hot damn lol! This is a wonderful instrumental. Again, the key changes work so well and Shenker rips it off. Love the brooding heaviness of it. I get a strong Megadeth vibe too from this track. Shenker really does some interesting stuff and pushes himself I feel with his playing. Killer drumming too. That UFO style melodies from the 3:00 minute mark are most welcome. Great track. Wonderful guitar playing.
Nowhere: Not bad, solid rocker. The vocal melodies remind me of UFO actually. A nice solo in this one actually.
Mystery: Nothing wrong with this at all. Nice breakup from the rock and perfectly placed before Horizons. Such a beautiful solo too and love the tone over the acoustic stuff. that lick at 2:22 is genius. Reminds me of Dimebag this one.
Horizons: A bit of an epic this one. Such a dark chorus this one and the melody after the chorus is very metal. Barden actually reminds me of Mats Levin on this track, don't mind him here. I wish that solo in the middle went longer, so much tension and some of the bends Shenker pulls off are so good. The ending however more than makes up for it. Michael loves that Dorian mode with that C# in the chord progression. So good and the interplay between he and Denny on the drums is just crazy. What and ending, could go for another five minutes if you ask me.
I really like this one the more I listen. I still think I like a couple more that follow more. Seems MSG has a major jump on what UFO were doing at the time so far for me.