Continued from page 10 one of the best bands in the world at the peak of their power ,” particularly after the band ’ s success with the self-produced predecessor Trouble at the Henhouse . The results are well represented in this anniversary box .
– Jeff Elbel
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Hundredth Meridian .” Six songs from Phantom Power are performed , including a delirious and buzzing “ Fireworks .” It ’ s unfortunate that limitations of the format necessitated dropping two songs including Phantom Power ’ s “ Something On ,” but the remaining 15 tracks offer the band in full flight . The basis for comparison of the new LP master was relatively recent , using a 2017 MusicVaultz pressing by Universal Music Canada . As a premier national act , Phantom Power received A-list treatment in the first place . The 2023 refresh is respectful of the source material , and changes are noticeable but not pronounced . Upon scrutiny , the anniversary master peaks about 1 dB lower than its predecessor and is slightly more dynamic , perhaps indicating less limiting and compression . The new pressing is a shade less bright in the top end , and Downie ’ s vocals are less sibilant . The new platter also runs ever-so-slightly slower . The possible correction relaxes the vibe subliminally . Both pressings are fullbodied in the low end with solid impact from Gord Sinclair ’ s reliable bass and Fay ’ s kick drum . The gatefold sleeve artwork has received a more obvious improvement with sharp lines , improved contrast , and clarity of detail . Additional treats in the box include an album with alternate mixes for songs including “ Something On ” and “ Chagrin Falls .” Fay ’ s precise and powerful drumming comes forward in a rough mix of “ Fireworks .” “ Bobcaygeon ” appears in an alternate version stripped to just Downie ’ s vocal and acoustic guitar . Sinclair ’ s acoustic bass rumbles through an alternate take of “ Thompson Girl .” “ Super Farmer Nano Boy ” is a recognizable but alien-sounding and dirgelike early electrobeat demo for the eventual “ Poets .” A Blu-ray disc includes Atmos and surround mixes of Phantom Power . There is also a book of storyboards for the “ Bobcaygeon ” video , a replica signed photo , and a sheet of metallic stickers .
A64-page book contains lyrics , track-bytrack notes from the band , and the story of the album ’ s creation as told by Phantom Power producer ( and Los Lobos multiinstrumentalist ) Steve Berlin . Berlin describes his enduring gratitude for the good fortune of being able to “ work with
ELECTRIC ASSAULT Shocked into Coherence
( Mortville Noise )
If the name ElectricAssault doesn ’ t quite ring a bell , that ’ s because they are a recently formed band from Des Moines , IA . Formed in 2023 , the quintet ’ s unbridled enthusiasm for traditional speed metal is brilliantly displayed on its debut full-length album Shocked into Coherence . The album ’ s 12 tracks , including a scathing cover version of Judas Priest ’ s “ The Ripper ,” will tick all the boxes for fans of this genre . The band immediately sets the tone on blistering album opener “ Total Maniac ” with its guitar pick slide intro , the ravenous double guitar assault from Garan Drozd and Edgar Alfaro , and the unique banshee wails of vocalist Dylan Strait . From there , quick bangers such as “ Electric Assault ,” “ Heavy Metal Fighter ” and “ Refresh The Demon ” adequately showcase the band ’ s traditional thrash influences , while “ Necromancer ” displays the band ’ s knack for writing hooky guitar melodies and anthemic choruses ( courtesy of The Lurking Corpses ’ s Lord Vladimir Von Ghoul ). Mid-paced chugging tracks “ Feel The Knife ” and the melodic , acoustic / electric guitar intro on “ Witches Dance ” add some musical diversity to their speed metal chops , while the fuzzy-laden , doom metal-esque “ Sold Souls ”— featuring guest Nate Towle of Extermination Day on vocals and guitar solo — is the gem of the entire album and wouldn ’ t sound out of place on a The Obsessed or Pentagram album . Electric Assault changes gears yet again with proggy death metal elements on “ Secular Grave Beneath the Hills ,” most notably due to the growled vocals of Andrew Smeltzer of fellow local band Traffic Death . Although Strait is the band ’ s full-time vocalist and delivers his parts with unique flair , the several guest vocalists add to the band ’ s overall aesthetic , decorating Shocked into Coherence with a well-rounded appearance . Elsewhere , the rhythm section of drummer Clint Wheelman and bassist Andy Topeff anchors the band ’ s sound to perfection . For a recently-formed , DIY independent metal band , Electric Assault has
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