Boston-based heavy metal act Blood Lightning is a super-group of sorts, containing members of other prominent bands of the Massachusetts scene, including vocalist Jim Healey (We’re All Gonna Die), guitarist Doug Sherman (GOZU), bassist Bob Maloney (Worshipper) and drummer J.R. Roach (Sam Black Church). What began as a 2019 Halloween show playing the entire Black Sabbath Born Again album just for fun has culminated in the release of original material by four veterans of the Boston metal/hardcore community. Their self-titled debut has just been released on Ripple Music, and while it's technically an EP, falling short of 30 minutes in length, the six songs presented here are total bangers. "The Dying Starts" opens with a burst of heavy riffs and excellent vocals from Healey, and "Hitting the Wall" is a total crusher, the riffs monstrous, the groove undeniable, and it also features a torrent of guitar solos. "Bananaconda" floats the line between Black Sabbath and Alice in Chains, the riffs are massive, the bass is loaded with fuzz and wah-wah, and Healey's vocals once again are really strong. 'Face Eater" is the manic, fast-paced track on the album, complete with a catchy chorus and some fiery screams from Healey, while "Blankets" takes the listener down doom territory once again. That leaves the final track, a spirited cover of Sabbath's "Disturbing the Priest" from the Born Again album. I'm not usually in favor or cover songs on an album this short, but these guys knock this one out of the park, with Healey doing his best Ian Gillan and the production really giving this classic a power punch.
This is one enjoyable little heavy metal feast, and I can't wait to hear more from this conglomerate in the future.
Track Listing
1.
The Dying Starts 03:08
2.
Hitting The Wall 04:24
3.
Bananaconda 06:03
4.
Face Eater 04:21
5.
Blankets 03:51
6.
Disturbing The Priest 06:07
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
