Brainstorm - Downburst

December 7, 2008

Reviewer: Jesse

Straddling the fence line somewhere between power metal and thrash, Brainstorm is one of the few bands that I enjoy that even slightly resembles power metal.  More like a thrash band with power vocals minus the annoyingly high, testicle-squeezed variation of said vocals but still possessing enough cheesiness to keep them in that middle ground.  Ever since I came across the album Soul Temptation, I’ve eagerly awaited new material from them as that album was absolutely fantastic and instantly made me a fan.  Extremely catchy and somewhat dark it would stand in pretty stark contrast to the follow up album, Liquid Monster.  As I listen to Downburst more and more, I find myself struggling with trying to determine if this album really is as good as it sounds or is it just a whole hell of a lot better than Liquid Monster which really isn’t saying very much as that album was a stinking dud save maybe one or two songs.  I’m going to give Downburst the benefit of the doubt and just disregard Liquid Monster even though it’s difficult to block it out.

Downburst is supremely catchy with sing-along choruses in every song very reminiscent to Soul Temptation but not quite as good.  Downburst has one major blemish; the single “Fire Walk with Me.”  Is it just me or is it typical for the single to be the worst song on the album in most cases?  Well it sure as hell is in this case.  Especially disappointing that it comes right after the excellent opener, “Falling Spiral Down,” so much so that I always seemed to forget how good that song is until I play the album over again.  “Fire Walk with Me” is radio garbage and really does stick out like a sore thumb amid the rest of the tracks.

From my limited exposure to Brainstorm in terms of albums listened to, one thing has been clear; they value the concept of an “album” and never keep them top-heavy with half-assed songs toward the end of the album.  That’s evident with the song “Frozen” which is easily one of the best on Downburst and comes in at second to last in the track listing.  Don’t stop a Brainstorm album too soon, you could miss out.  In fact, except for “Fire Walk with Me,” Downburst really is a nice display of memorable and quality songs from start to finish.

I guess my only issue is that despite how solid the tracks are on this album, only a few are truly great.  Don’t get me wrong, Downburst is still very inspired and worthy of your attention, it just doesn’t leave as many lasting impressions as I know they’re capable of.  Soul Temptation is great.  Downburst is good and you know what, there’s nothing wrong with good.  Lots of bands out there would love to have this problem.

Release Date: January 25, 2008
Label: Metal Blade Records

TRACK LISTING

1. Falling Spiral Down
2. Fire Walk With Me
3. Stained With Sin
4. Redemption in Your Eyes
5. End in Sorrow
6. How Do You Feel
7. Protect Me From Myself
8. Surrounding Walls
9. Frozen
10. All Alone

Total playing time: 43:23

*By clicking "Submit" you agree to the following Terms of Use. You agree not to post any material that is obscene, slanderous, or threatening, or that may violate any law of your country of origin or the United States or of international law. Should you wish to restrict viewing of your email address by third parties, you must select "Hide My Email." You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Metal Psalter from any claims, actions, suits, damages, or other costs arising out of any breach of these Terms of Use.

*Comments: