Album Review: Titan Breed - Legacy
Reviewed by Carl Black
Through the mist of time “Heavy Metal” has evolved and changed. Formed by the legacy bands and shaped by the sounds and ideas of countless musicians who are part of our world for the last fifty odd years. During this half century there has always been the harder end (way-hay), the softer end and the middle ground. It's my opinion that heavy metal has got... well, heavier as time has gone on. Let’s say 1984-5ish. The middle ground in heavy metal could be something like Def Leppard. These days I believe that Titan Breed are smack bang in the middle of heavy metal. Titan Breed are significantly heavier than Def Leppard. The middle has swung.
Titan Breed are all about the riffs. The guitarist plays like a ZakK Wilde, like a Dimebag ,et al. Chunky riffs with a bit of flair, usually at the end of the riff. Backed up with a pounding rhythm section that follow the lead of the main riff. Throw in the light and gruff vocals and you’re on to a winner.
There are points on this EP that they could go either way. They could lighten up and go a bit 'black album' by Metallica. They could but they don’t. They could beef up and go full on thrash or even death metal. They could but they don’t. They seem determined to stay in the middle ground when it could be said it would be easier to deviate. That takes a bit of skill and there is a place for a band like this. In a world where everyone wants to be one thing or another Titan Breed Are Heavy Metal.
A couple of slight points. The sound is, by and large, very good. Apart from the occasional cymbal strike, they sometimes sound like they were recorded in the next room. I kept thinking less is more, on occasion the songs are a little too long. Most of the songs are five minutes plus. They don’t have to be. I think they would make more of an impact if they were shorter.
Being in the middle of the heavy metal genre is a lot heavier these days. The sands of time will shift further still. Will there be a day that Cattle Decapitation will be the middle ground?? Here’s hoping.
Titan Breed release 'Legacy' on February 14th.
