Time Signature
Undaunted...
Genre: groove metal
Since Adrenaline Mob count Mike Portnoy and Russell Allen as members, one could easily be tempted to think that Adrenaline Mob is a progressive metal project. But if you have heard their EP from 2011, then you should know that this is not the case. Adrenaline Mob's style is straightforward groovy heavy metal.
Adrenaline Mob basically keep the style of last year's EP on their debut full-length album "Omertà" (in fact, a lot of the tracks from the EP also appear on this album). So do not expect Dream Theater-like long and complex songs or Symphony X-ish epic power metal opuses. The main ingredients of Adrenaline Mob's music are in fact the hitherto little-known guitarist Mike Orlando's crushingly groovy riffs. Groove metal indeed had its heyday in the 90s and imploded on itself because of the many Pantera clones that populated the scene then, but, with "Omertà"m Adrenaline Mob show that there is certainly nothing wrong with groove metal itself, if only there are talented musicians behind.
the music is straightforward, but that does not mean that nothing is done out of it. Adrenaline Mob features some of the world's best metal musicians. Mike Portnoy delivers precise drums and beats that fit Orlando's riffs perfectly. And, while Orlando may not be the world's most famous guitarist, he is definitely among the world's best guitarists. Not only are his groovy riffs extremely compelling - his solos are a hundred percent virtuous without being show-offy or cheesy. And Russell Allen's powerful vocals, of course, complete the picture brilliantly.
"Omerta" contains four of five tracks from the 2011-EP, which might be a problem for some listeners, but then again there is an interesting cover version of Duran Duran's 'Come Undone', with Lzzy Hale from Halestorm contributing guest vocals .
Do not expect epic progressive metal from Adrenaline Mob, but, if you like groove metal, then "Omertà" should give you many an eargasm.