MESSENGER - review added 12th September 2011
Album Review: See You In Hell (2011)
For fans of: Metal
"See You In Hell" is the second album by German band Messenger, following their debut "Under the Sign" in 2006. The sound is metal through and through, with nods to the battle sound of Manowar, the British steel of Judas Priest and the more folksy wanderings of bands like Turisas.
The musicianship is okay, though unexciting. Big problem for me on this album is the singing. Sometimes, Siggi Schüßler sounds great - his tone works and he has a very apt voice for this type of music. However, many times throughout he goes strangely wispy like he's recording his words during a bout of asthma. He also really struggles with the pronunciation of many English words, using "w" instead of "v" in words like "victory"...and it's bloody annoying.
There's little point me picking favourite tracks here as too much of it irks me. With a better singer I could see the album being okay, but as it stands the best song is the cover of Helloween's "Dr.Stein" and even that isn't great.
In Summation:
Some good moments, but generally spoiled by poor singing and uninspiring material.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Track List:
01. Flames of Revenge
02. See You in Hell
03. Make it Right
04. The Prophecy
05. Sign of the Evil Master (Digipak Bonus Track)
06. Alien Autopsy
07. Final Thunder
08. Falconlord
09. The Dragonships
10. Lindisfarne
11. Valkyries
12. Land of the Brave
13. Dr. Stein
14. Tod dem DJ (Digipak Bonus Track)
Band/Performers:
Siggi Schüßler - Vocals
Frank Kettenhofen - Lead Guitar
Patrik Deckarm - Rhythm Guitar
Benny Strauß - Bass Guitar
Markus Merl - Drums
Other Info:
Produced, mixed and mastered by Rolf Munkes (Majesty, Razorback u.a.) at Empire Studio
Cover artwork by Frank Kettenhofen
Label: Massacre Records
Artist's website(s): Messenger | MySpace | Facebook
