MOB RULES – Cannibal Nation

Label: AFM Records

Release Date: November 13, 2012

Rating:9/10

Reviewed by: ToddStar

Metal is ever changing and I find myself moving through the phases with it.  One thing that remains the same is my love of a great song, great riff, and killer vocals.  Mob Rules brought all three with their latest release.

“Close My Eyes” has that cool symphonic metal feel, without all the hype and keyboard overkill.  The guitars are stellar and the vocals are just as good.  The keyboards are there, but not drowning the track.  “Lost” kicks in with the same feel and groove as the previous track, just with a little slower tempo.  Don’t be fooled, the song is full of killer licks and vocals full of vibrato.  The drummer and bassist make their presence obvious on the next track, “Tele Box Fool.”  The rhythm section drives this song – and what a ride it is.  A beautiful intro piece brings “Ice & Fire” into range.  This song, while stepping back from the heavy part of metal, rocks out and includes some great playing by all the members of this band.

“The Sirens” is another great rock track that has all of those components that make a great metal song – guitar, vocals, and power.  This song stands out as one of my favorites here.  The title track, “Cannibal Nation” keeps the rock alive on this disc and really demonstrates again what is so great about this record.  The guitar work on this song stands out and really lends itself to some killer headbanging and air guitar.  The tandem attack is reminiscent of Maiden and Priest, in that the trade offs are seamless   Closing track “Sunrise” takes the listener on a mellow journey.  This song has an ethereal feel that enhances the total experience of the disc without need to crank it to 11.

Mob Rules indeed.  This disc made me a believer and a fan.  I can’t wait to see what else they put out moving forward.

http://www.mobrules.de/

https://www.facebook.com/mobrulesband

Category: CD Reviews