{"id":19731,"date":"2012-04-19T06:32:02","date_gmt":"2012-04-19T11:32:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hardrockhaven.net\/online\/?p=19731"},"modified":"2013-01-29T10:13:39","modified_gmt":"2013-01-29T15:13:39","slug":"atkinsmay-project-serpents-kiss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hardrockhaven.net\/online\/2012\/atkinsmay-project-serpents-kiss\/","title":{"rendered":"Atkins\/May Project | Serpents Kiss<\/em>"},"content":{"rendered":"

by Ron Higgins<\/span>
\nStaff Writer —<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"\"Serpents Kiss<\/em> is the first album from the unlikely duo of original Judas Priest vocalist Al Atkins and Christian metal guitarist Paul May. Although this is their first full-blown collaboration, May has appeared on some Al Atkins solo albums in the past. So the question is, does this two-man project work? Does Bret Michaels like bandanas?<\/p>\n

Al Atkins brings some name recognition, to a degree, thanks to being an original founding member of British heavyweights Judas Priest. He has also released six solo albums and is currently fronting the band Holy Rage. May on the other hand is lesser known despite being a fairly prolific session musician (recording on over 50 albums) and playing in bands A.N.D. & Temple Dogs. Although Al brings the name to the project, it\u2019s May who really shines on this release. Not only is he the primary songwriter but his guitar slinging is top-notch. People who have never heard of Paul May will certainly know his name after this one.<\/p>\n

To those who aren\u2019t familiar with Al\u2019s vocal style, this release might appear to be somewhat novel. However, this is by no means a novelty record. This is a legitimate heavy metal record. So how do the vocals sound on this record? Do they sound anything at all like The Metal God? Well, not really. He mostly sings in a lower register with a bit of a growl. He does hit some high notes but it sounds strained at times. He\u2019s not bad but he\u2019s no Halford. But then again, who is? He can definitely sing though but it\u2019s a bit like comparing Bruce Dickinson to Paul Di\u2019Anno. They can both sing but they\u2019re not in the same league. But you have to give credit to anyone who helped contribute to the seminal Judas Priest song \u201cVictim of Changes\u201d. What about the guitar work? Absolutely blistering throughout. Very impressive.<\/p>\n

This straight-ahead metal record kicks off in interesting fashion with \u201cThe Shallowing.\u201d The song starts with a slow, crunching riff layered with sounds reminiscent of warnings being sounded prior to a missile attack, which is quite apropos as this tune kicks off an auditory assault of pure metal about 60 seconds in. For those who may never have heard Halford\u2019s predecessor, this album teases like a married stripper feigning interest while being plied with $20 drinks, making the listener wait a full minute and a half before finally hearing Mr. Atkins\u2019s musical snarl. The track pounds along for the rest of the song but slows back down towards the end, firmly establishing a rather dark and gloomy mood.<\/p>\n

Although this is a solid record all the way through, as usual, there are several standout tracks. These include \u201cDream Maker\u201d, \u201cSignz\u201d, \u201cFight \u201c, and \u201cBetta Than Twisted\u201d. \u201cDream Maker\u201d has an infectious driving rhythm. And you have to love a song that starts off with a gong. It\u2019s like a law or something. This is a slower but heavy groove song with impeccable guitar wizardry, which is prominently featured throughout the album. The double-bass drumming is a nice touch too. \u201cSignz\u201d is another pleasant chugger with some cool high\/low vocal multi-tracking that would make Axl Rose proud. The spiritual lyrics that pervade this album shows up in full force here with lyrics like, \u201cbetter watch and pray, it won\u2019t be long, gotta keep the faith bold and strong, and when the prophets say I Am The One the warning signs have just begun,\u201d which are both spiritual and apocalyptic, adding to the dark, doom-like atmosphere of this release. \u201cFight\u201d may be the best song on the record, which is no doubt why it was chosen as the first single and also has a cool video. Van Halen could take a hint from such a radical marketing decision. It has a classic metal riff with lots of testosterone-filled machismo lyrics like, \u201cYou can\u2019t break me, you won\u2019t shake me, you don\u2019t have what it takes. In your mind, you will find, you\u2019ve made a big mistake. I\u2019m a fighter and I\u2019m delighted to take you \u2026 you better run, because I\u2019m a loaded gun, don\u2019t walk in my sight because I\u2019m a troubled man and I\u2019ll make my stand.\u201d The chorus upholds the swagger, advising, \u201cYou better fight, you can stand your ground, you better fight because I\u2019m taking back my ground.\u201d An absolute beast of a song. Finally, \u201cBetta Than Twisted\u201d has another catchy riff and employs more spiritual lyrics, comparing the song\u2019s antagonist to the ultimate betrayer Judas.<\/p>\n

Another interesting tune is a cover of the KISS classic \u201cCold Gin.\u201d It\u2019s not as good as the original but Al\u2019s growl is similar to Gene\u2019s so it actually works pretty well. The most interesting element of the song is a surprise addition towards the end of the song where they start playing a few bars of another KISS classic, \u201cGod of Thunder.\u201d Merging these two songs together is a bit of unexpected creative brilliance.<\/p>\n

The album ends on a high note with an eight and a half minute track called \u201cTheatre of Fools\u201d. Although it\u2019s slower at times it has more exceptional guitar work that leaves the listener with no doubt that this guy can seriously shred. It\u2019s a worthy closer to this fine album.<\/p>\n

Overall, this is a very good album that is sure to please any fan of classic metal. Some of the songs aren\u2019t as strong as others but they\u2019re all decent. The biggest complaint is that this release only features 10 tracks, one of which is a cover tune so only nine true Atkins\/May songs are on offer here. However, it\u2019s clear that this is a partnership that works and hopefully they decide to collaborate again in the near future. If the intent was for the metal world to stand up and take notice\u2026 mission accomplished.<\/p>\n

Genre: Heavy Metal, Classic Metal<\/p>\n

Band:
\nAl Atkins \u2013 Vocals
\nPaul May – Guitars<\/p>\n

Track Listing:
\n1.\tThe Shallowing
\n2.\tTraitors Hand
\n3.\tDream Maker
\n4.\tCan You Hear Me
\n5.\tSignz
\n6.\tFight
\n7.\tJudge
\n8.\tBetta Than Twisted
\n9.\tCold Gin
\n10.\tTheatre of Fools<\/p>\n

Website(s):
\natkinsmayproject.com<\/a>
\nAlAtkins.com<\/a>
\nPaulMayMusic.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n

Label: Gonzo Multimedia<\/p>\n

Hardrock Haven Rating: 8\/10<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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