Time Signature Death comes to all...

Genre: power metal

One out of no less than three ReinXeed-related releases to see the light of day this summer, Charlie Shred's eponymous debut-album is a true power-metal-fest which, although rooted in the European variety of power metal is pleasantly low on cheese but still full of melody.

While there are indeed keyboards and other effects associated with the cheesy end of power metal, Charlie Shred nonetheless retain the "power" in power metal, as they include a considerable influence from traditional heavy metal in form of old school razor sharp riffs which accompany the chucking power metal figures and the big and catchy choruses. Just check a track like 'Panic', the slightly heavy 'The Rose', or the aggressive hard rocker 'Tainted Inside'. Other tracks, like 'Death comes to All', 'Game Over', and 'Time To Die' are on the verge of being speed metal tracks with the two latter featuring riot-friendly shout-along choruses.

With people like Calle Sundberg, Mattias Johansson, and Tommy Reinxeed in the line-up, the musicianship is of course impeccable. And you can expect dazzlingly blazing guitar solos, well written tunes and a crisp and pristine production.

Charlie Shred's debut album contains the kind of power metal I like. It is big and catchy with epic elements, yet it has a lot of edge to it and the only cheese served is low fat diet cheese. Fans of both power metal and traditional metal should definitely give this album a listen.