Artist: Brand New Sin
Label: Now Or Never Records
Release Date: 6/4/02
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Title: Brand New Sin Artist: Brand New Sin Label: Now Or Never Records Release Date: 6/4/02 |
Judgment Committee Reviews | Rating |
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Abyss's Review:
Out of the ashes of Godbelow comes Brand New Sin from Syracuse (New York, not Greece). How the members of this band came out with a southern rock inspired record in that frozen wasteland is a mystery to me, but these guys have made a valiant attempt. Their debut album is a decent effort, taking a more commercial track on the Down sound, and would definitely be a step up for the average hard rock radio listener that they seem to be courting.
"If this band is successful, this material would be one of the best things on the radio, but when you think about it, that isn't really impressive."
The band seems to fancy themselves in the Skynyrd and Sabbath camps, but my ears plop them right in between the aforementioned Down and Godsmack. And for what they are, they are largely successful. A few of the songs have a real grit to them, even while maintaining a mainstream persona. Vocalist Joe Altier hits me in much the same way John Bush does, which is unfortunate because I don't really like his voice. There are some quality songs on this record, with lead 'single,' "My World" laying down a groove that I can appreciate, but this album is just not anything that I can get excited about. Truth be told, while I love southern metal, I'm not really that big a fan of southern rock. And while, if this band is successful, this material would be one of the best things on the radio, when you think about it, that isn't really impressive.
"These guys don't strike me as a group that's trying to ride anyone's coattails, despite their accessible sound." Personal opinions aside, however, this record is put together quite well. There is maturity in the songwriting and an integrity in the performance. These guys don't strike me as a group that's trying to ride anyone's coattails, despite their accessible sound. And that is the reason I'm keeping this review short and sweet, pointing out that in many ways this is a good album, but I just don't really like it. One word review: (watered) Down.
Death's Review:
You've never heard of Brand New Sin? Think C.O.C., Danzig, Down, Aerosmith, Godsmack, Black Label Society, Metallica, Life of Agony (e.g., the verses of "Sad Wings"), Pantera and Guns 'N Roses combined. Think thick, ballsy, downtuned guitar riffs and great leads. Think southern-fried confederate trappings - although only in sound, as Brand New Sin are from Syracuse, NY. Think "classic rock" - quality songwriting - ya know, the type of thing you could actually picture kicking ass on a down and dirty classic/AOR rock station, yet with a Metallica/new Anthrax level heaviness to the riffing (e.g., "Desperate Times Desperate Means") which shows through some of the time (and, particularly on "Desperate...," the Hetfield influence on the vocals). Like Down and C.O.C., Brand New Sin have a no bullshit, honest and real "rock" attitude with metal leanings/tendencies, yet nevertheless can claim enough melody and basic rock elements to their sound to actually have a shot at the attention of a more mainstream rock audience.
"You've never heard of Brand New Sin? Think thick, ballsy, downtuned guitar riffs and great leads."
All of the above explain why Brand New Sin are a decent new band. What makes this record begin to approach greatness is its "catchiness factor": spend a spin or two with this record and you will legitimately not be able to get some of these songs out of your head, particularly with some of the mellow numbers like "Missin' You", which really bring out the strength of vocalist Joe Altier's voice. But it is also heavier numbers like the riffy "Judgement Day" or the Danzig-at-its-prime style opener "Broken Soul" that really make this record work. It appears the sing-at-the-top of your lungs and cool and subtle classic rock organ keys of "My World" will be the first video. Who knows? Perhaps Brand New Sin can find an audience of substantial size. They have a good sound. I'm worried, however, that if bands like C.O.C., Down and Danzig aren't finding a place on the radio right now, that Brand New Sin won't either. Time will tell.
"I'm worried that if bands like C.O.C., Down and Danzig aren't finding a place on the radio right now, that Brand New Sin won't either. Time will tell."
Hel's Review:
I was taken aback when I first listened to this album - in a good way. In general, I don't tend to like this style of music. Looking over the various band analogies I've seen people tossing around to describe who Brand New Sin sounds like, Corrosion of Conformity was pretty much the only one mentioned that I actually like! But it was probably that similarity to old-school C.O.C. which wooed me.
"The combination of down-tuned guitars and no-nonsense well-timed drumming is nearly addictive."
The vocalist (when he's not imitating Glen Danzig), has a clear strong voice - the kind that's really fun to sing along with and easy to harmonize to, since he's actually on key. The rest of the band is skilled as well. I particularly enjoyed listening to the bass lines, which were actually audible, courtesy of the crystal-clear perfect production on this record. And the combination of down-tuned guitars and no-nonsense well-timed drumming is nearly addictive.
"Give these newcomers a shot at your player, you may find it surprisingly hard to hit the "open" button to take it back out. I did." The biggest fault of this record lies in the one ballad, a horrible Creed-style crapfest called "Missin' You" and, well, all I can say is: bleeeeck. That, right there, is a one skull deduction in what could have otherwise ended up as a perfect score. It has been quite a while since I've heard a laid-back, straightforward, honest rockin' record like this. Or, at the least, it's been a long time since I've enjoyed one as much as I have this. Give these newcomers a shot at your player, you may find it surprisingly hard to hit the "open" button to take it back out. I did. A great effort.
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