BLACK TIDE - Light from Above

Black Tide - Light From Above (Interscope) 2008

Black Tide were a buzz band in '08. These teenagers scored a record contract and released an album that created a buzz in metal circles with both old school and modern metal fans alike. Whether fans liked them or not didn't really matter. What they succeeded in doing was getting people to talk about them all over the internet and creating a buzz that helped get their name out there. Much of this had to do with their young age, all being under 17 years old. It is certainly cool to see young, budding metal bands taking their creative cues and giving props to the traditional metal icons, as opposed to all the nu-school pop stuff polluting the airwaves. There seems to be a ton of bands coming out like this, many of which are purposely playing a very retro style of metal. However, Black Tide are not playing retro thrash or power metal, but those influences are clearly present on "Light from Above". There was a description tagged on this album, that I thought was particularly inaccurate that stated "Megadeth riffs, Metallica brutality, and Guns 'n Roses melody". I will give them that they have a few hooky choruses, some interesting groove and thrash based riffs and some choice guitar solos. However, while Black Tide most certainly have their old school influences, I was hearing a sound not that far off from Avenged Sevenfold. Even some of the vocals reminded me of A.S.

The formula of mixing the influences actually works ok for this band. There are some standout cuts. "Shockwave" and "Warriors of Time" are two that came to mind when writing this review. "Warriors" in particular melds the aforementioned styles quite well, offering a solid metal rocker with a simple, yet catchy, radio-ready chorus. What really holds this one back, are the vocals which sound rather wimpy and lacking gusto, in my opinion. In particular, the Metallica cover comes off very poorly due to a weak vocal performance. As well, the whole thing seems a bit overproduced and polished. This might have been a better release with a more raw sound, as opposed to the digital recording we were given. However, what Black Tide does offer is promise. If they can continue to build on this sound, I am sure they will improve with each new release. As for the vocals, I think with maturity, the vocals will gain more depth. "Light from Above" is a decent debut. If their label and management continues to help them build as artist, they could be a force to be reckoned with.

the vocals seemed ok live but i only heard them play covers so i have no idea what they sound like normally

The vocals are the weak link but I find them tolerable.

Almost picked this up today for $10 at FYE. I really like what I've heard from them so far, but I held back from buying it because I'm going on vacation next week.

I enjoy this disc very much. I was hesitant to make the purchase because of the hype it was getting, but finally decided, WTF? Why not listen to it and judge it myself. The vocals don't bother me, although the Metallica cover is a little weak. Also, I didn't quite get that "Megadeth/Metallic/GnR" vibe that the sticker was pimping. Seems like it was more of a P.R./ clueless record exec thing to do. Meh, whatever sells cds these days I guess.

I like the vocals, but I think the music is to uninspired. I will be awaiting for their next album with much anticipation. I hope they'll put more energy into it as they grow more mature in their songwritting. Yeah I don't get the whole megadeth thing at all....maybe because they might be slightly considered as "thrash" I suppose

Just bought it tonight, I've got some other CDs to catch up on though, then I'll throw my two cents in!

I was pretty impressed by this album. The vocals are the weak point but they are tolerable and the guitar player shreds!

i heard their maiden cover and turned it off after five seconds off vocals i cant stand them. guitar shreds though

Interesting what sheer exposure will do for a band that should technically be slugging it out in the underground..

this is on offer at play.com

thought it was pretty good though it had weak moments

sam wrote:

thought it was pretty good though it had weak moments

Who amongst us hasn't? Sometimes I stuff myself when I know I shouldn't.

I still say this is a very promising release and in my top 25 for 2008.

Yeah, the vocals are iffy but I hope as the kid gets older he settles in. The guitar player is excellent IMO.

And for the record, I found this band browing around the net; there isn't a HotTopic store anywhere near me as far as I know.

Then again, I haven't set foot in a mall in years.

tohostudios wrote:

I was pretty impressed by this album. The vocals are the weak point but they are tolerable and the guitar player shreds!

I agree