Philadelphia act Surgeon mix up some classic metal with a smattering of death metal on their latest release Chemical Reign. Though they describe their sound as "an organic, flowing style of metal with bold rock buildups, which also merges into the realms of epic metal and classic doom", I honestly have a hard time hearing any epic metal or doom in their music at all. Straightforward, well played melodic metal with some occasional growls? Certainly, and not bad at that. Truth be told Surgeon aren't going to win any awards for originality and supreme songwriting, as much of Chemical Reign just kind of chugs along with a mid paced gallop, a few catchy melodies delivered by high pitched vocal wailings and a smattering of death growls. Some tasty guitar work on tracks like "Deadly Are the Words" and "Greed" definitely raise the eyebrows a hair, but I'm reminded of so many of those underground US power metal albums in the late '80s that showed promise but ultimately lacked that 'it' factor. This band & album gives me the same feeling unfortunately. Decent, competently played heavy metal with a few hooks...not bad, but not remarkable either.
Track Listing
1. The Creeple 05:47
2. Watching You 03:37
3. Deadly Are the Words 04:22
4. Greed 04:58
5. Chemical Reign 04:31
6. Hamburger Factory 04:05
7. Animals 05:04
8. The Only Constant 04:02
9. Tomorrow 05:06
10. Waves 06:55
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