CD REVIEW: CHASTAIN – We Bleed Metal

Label: Leviathan Records

Release Date: November 6, 2015

Rating: 8/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

David T. Chastain is a guitarist that has stood his ground and the test of time.  His latest effort, We Bleed Metal, reunites him once again with vocalist Leather Leone and brings a minor modern twist on the metal he has been writing and recording for the better part of 30 years.  Disc opener “We Bleed Metal” kicks off Leone’s familiar vocals and the song takes off from there.  The chugging riffs and big solos are a part of what Chastain does best, and this track has plenty to go around.  “All Hail The King” is a good rocker with a really good tempo and opening guitar piece that sets the pace for the rest of the track.  The vocals are some of Leather’s best on the disc and suit the mood of the track well.  “Search Time For You” blends the classic Chastain sound with a heavier modern sound that seems to marry the two styles without deviating completely from the metal equation the guitarist has used for decades.  “I Am A Warrior” opens with a different feel from the first note to the last, but soon shifts gears and fits well within the mold created by the other tracks on this collection.

“Against All The Gods” is a nice piece with a different guitar in the opening interlude, but quickly shifts to the sound Chastain has become known for.  The songs breakneck pace is anchored by a heavy handed rhythm section.  “Don’t Trust Tomorrow” has a frantic pace that fits the groove of the disc, but the vocals are the star on this track.  Leone brings her A-game and keeps the song flowing between the riffs and solos.  “Evolution Of Terror” features good guitar riffs from Chastain and vocals from Leone, but the real anchor on this piece is the killer bottom end supplied by original bassist Mike Skimmerhorn and drummer Stian Kristoffersen.  “The Last Ones Alive” gives Leone a bit of room to run in the intro before Chastain’s guitar joins the fray at the verse.  The steady drone of bass and drums, along with the familiar vocals and guitar give this a classic Chastain feel.  “Secrets” closes the disc with a modern groove wrapped around the familiar guitars and vocals that have become synonymous with Chastain’s various releases over the years.

​​​​​Tracklisting: We Bleed Metal – All Hail The King – Against All The Gods – Search Time For You – Don’t Trust Tomorrow – I Am A Warrior – Evolution Of Terror – The Last Ones Alive – Secrets

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Category: CD Reviews