The latest trend in metal/hardcore music has been the assimilation of rap and hip hop grooves into bands such as Rage Against the machine, Korn and Limp Bizkit. However, the roots of metal go back to a time when hard, driving, straight ahead metal was the order of the day. Black Dawn, thankfully delve into that aspect without resorting to hip hop trappings.
Black Dawn are Tom Kelly on guitar, Enzo Di Paolo on Drums, James Lane on bass and Matt Kotten on guitar/vocals. Based in New York, they are straight out of the Pantera and layer camp of heavy metal, with a touch of Life of Agony thrown in for variety. Its songs laced with madness violence and despair, Absence of Time is a dark aggressive CD that should appeal to most metal fans.
Musically the disc is quite good. The vocals are not the garbled noise of most death metal bands and are actually distinguishable. I was often reminded of old Testament in vocals and guitars. Also, the guitars have that classic crunchy sound from the old metal such as original Anthrax, Exodus and the like. (Ok, so I'm reliving my '80s metal days; indulge me. If you've heard of any of the bands I've mentioned, you'll probably like these guys).
Considering the resurgence of å80s glam metal bands such as Ratt, Quiet Riot, Poison, Motley Crue, etc. it is hoped that real metal will stage a comeback as well. Besides the originals coming out with material (Venom reunion anyone?), it is necessary for new bands to come out with good material to create the interest as well. Black Dawn are a good lead for continuing metal into the next century.
- Ed Johnson, The Inside Connection
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