Metal Scent

Reviewed by – Ali Blackdiamond

Band – Metal Scent

Album – Homemade

Released – October 2011

Metal Scent are from Israel and were formed about 7 years ago. Their third album ‘Homemade’ was released in October 2011 and is their first album to include all original material.

They have progressed a lot with this album as their first one in 2005 consisted of Middle Eastern hit songs recomposed into metal versions. The second album consisted of American hit songs from the 1960’s rearranged into metal versions with Middle Eastern influences.

The band launch into the first track ‘Never Too Late’ with their melodic power metal style and Rami’s strong vocals are striking alongside the catchy riffs, which keep going at a fast pace throughout the song. It’s a great rock song and made me want to listen to more.

‘Hold On’ is one of the best tracks for me – the song delivers a very catchy hook and there is a great chugging riff throughout. The drumming provides a solid heavy beat and there is a great melodic guitar solo. Again the powerful vocals with a raw edge complete the song, making what I feel to be the most commercially viable song on the album.

‘Silks Of White’ is the fifth track of the album which starts with a nice heavy riff, then Rami’s rocking vocals kick in. The song has a Middle Eastern atmosphere in places which bring a nice different feel to it. Shahar’s solid thumping bass line is strong and there is some great double bass drumming from Ronen.

‘Riders Of The Night’ evokes a classic ’90’s power metal vibe for me, it’s a really catchy song to sing along to! Rami’s powerful metal vocals rage throughout this melodic song.

The last track of this fifteen song album is ‘Time Has Come’ which has a very familiar intro to it. It’s a very anthemic feel good ‘lighters in the air’ type song and one which a lot of people would do well to take note of the uplifting lyrics – ‘ Why can’t we all live together, live in peace and harmony’. There is some nice melodic acoustic guitar included and the song clearly demonstates the range of Rami’s vocal abilities. I really like this song with its happy and relaxed feel.

On the whole, ‘Homemade’ is a great melodic album with a lot of strengths and positive points and one I wouldn’t tire of listening to. I feel it is slightly long with 15 tracks and some songs are a little similar to each other, but having said that it is a very enjoyable album that rocks!

8/10

Tracklisting for “Homemade” :

1. Never Too Late

2. Hold On

3. Men Of War

4. Coast To Coast

5. Silks Of White

6. A Spy In The Sky

7. Inner Light

8. Desires

9. Riders Of The Night

10. All You Want