Animetal USA | Animetal USA
by Nikiforos Skoumas
Staff Writer —
Formed in 1996 Japanese melodic metal band Animetal introduced a rather original concept within the genre; Animetal would deliver metal versions of popular anime themes songs while being big on stage theatrics, costumes and make-up. The group disbanded in 2006 following a total of nine studio albums and considerable success within their domestic market.
Today, a team of American musicians attempt to fill the gap left by the original Animetal band. These are, lead singer Michael Vescera (YJM Rising Force), bassist Rudy Sarzo (Ozzy, Dio, Whitesnake), drummer Scott Travis (Judas Priest, Racer X) and guitarist Chris Impellitteri (Impellitteri). It seems that this all-star line up regards the project as a priority in its agenda- much like the original line up they do dress up and have already tested the waters of the Japanese market having performed at this year’s LoudPark festival on October 15th.
What differentiates Animetal USA from the original outfit is unexpectedly their unique sound, as each of the four musicians has more than established a performing style of his own, plus the fact that they re-write the lyrics of these classic Japanese songs in English. Therefore ninety five percent of the lyrics on the album are sung in English with occasional Japanese motto’s making their appearance.
In terms of performance, Vescera chooses to sing rather high on most songs, often adding far too many words per musical line-which increases complexity for the listener. On the other hand, one happily finds that the musical basis of Animetal’s debut is essentially an Impellitteri album. In fact the riffs, melodies and guitars seem to come out of Chris’ latest studio album Wicked Maiden. In particular the guitarist holds nothing back on this all-star release, contributing a greater amount of guitar solos, scales and shredding than what found on his latest solo albums.
Truth be told, some songs are expected to have instant appeal to fans of neoclassical/power metal, while others demand that you are an enthusiast of anime-themes in order to appreciate. Still those that have followed the respective works of Michael Vescera and Chris Impellitteri will probably be able to connect with most of the songs featured on this debut.
Genre: Neo-classical Power Metal
Line up:
Mike Vescera – Vocals
Rudy Sarzo – Bass
Scott Travis – Drums
Chris Impellitteri – Guitar
Track Listing:
1.Space Battleship Yamato.
2.Gatchaman no Uta.
3.Mazinger Medley.
4.Makafushigi Adventure!
5.Zankokuna Tenshi no Thesis.
6.Ai wo Torimodose!!
7.Ganbare Dokaben.
8.Pegasus Gensou.
9.Ike! Tiger Mask.
10.Kinnikuman Go Fight.
11.Yuke Yuke Hyuma.
Hardrock Haven rating: 7.5/10
ANIMETALUSA – UCHUUSENKAN YAMATO from 921 Associates on Vimeo.