Rise To Addiction - A New Shade Of Black For The Soul (CD)

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First of all, I was confused with this album. I was aware of this band (even though I didn't have the chance to listen to any of their stuff) and I thought it was a really heavy band. When I saw the track listing, I had the impression that it finally was a whiny Metalcore band. After searching for some info, I ended up realizing that this must be a pretty fucking heavy band!

The British heavy metallers were formed in 2004, when Steve Wray and John Slater left BLAZE (Bayley's band), and along with Bayley's ex-bassist Rob Naylor, drummer Ben Calvert and vocalist H. Armstrong they decided to create their own Heavy Metal weapon. Not many more things to mention since only some line up changes occurred (Armstrong, Naylor and Calvert were replaced) and one EP was issued in 2004 through Rise To Addiction Music (the band itself). They later managed to sign a contract with Mausoleum and now they release their debut album.

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! These were the first words that came out of my mouth while listening to A New Shade Of Black For The Soul for the first time. In my opinion, RISE TO ADDICTION almost perfectly mix the old with the new. Their music is characterized by its old school influences from bands like JUDAS PRIEST, IRON MAIDEN and BLACK SABBATH, as well as its modern approach of Heavy Metal with groovy touches and riffing with the names of PANTERA and ANNIHILATOR on it!
This album is definitely one of those that make you bang your head from the first until the last second of its duration. At first, its duration (almost one hour) seemed a bit big, but when I listened to it, I just realized it wasn't enough for me! The rhythm section kicks major ass and builds a solid wall for the two guitarists to lay their poisonous riffs on and Oates completes the whole thing with the best way possible. Let's not forget that we are talking about musicians that carry some experience and knew what to deliver to the hungry for Heavy Metal audience right from the start. This album does not only contains RISE TO ADDICTION's heavy fucking music, but it also contains Andy Sneap's producing and mixing abilities! You got that right! Mr. Sneap has made a brilliant work with the sound, as he always does.

This band was a really great surprise for me and despite they just started and haven't shown many things until now, I believe they are able to offer incredible things in the near future. Just think that this is just their debut album. They have managed to create a sound that will please both old school and younger fans of Heavy Metal. If you are searching for where the 'retro' stuff meets the modern approach to Heavy Metal, this is your band!