Ross the Boss - New Metal Leader

May 10, 2009

Reviewer: Rottenbucher

Ross the Boss, Manowar's original sultan of shred, has decided to hire three Germans (from a cover band called Men of War) and start his own solo Manoband. Consider all posers and enemies of metal warned.

Thankfully there is nothing Nu or new about New Metal Leader.  Starting out with the majestic intro, "I.L.H."  it's clear what this album is going to be about.  And if there were any doubts, "Blood of Knives" delivers some of the best shred-friendly glory metal since "Wheels of Fire."  The drums rumble, the solos shred, the riffs move mountains and there are elements here that sound strikingly similar to the guitarist's former band. "I Got the Right" reeks of metal festival-pleasing anthem aesthetics but this type of song has been done before and much better. The speed roars back with "Death & Glory."  While a rather standard battle-friendly affair that won't do much for people who don't like power metal, the melodic hooks and the solo are top notch.

Rock 'n Roll shows up with "Plague of Lies," a cover from Ross' other band, Brain Surgeons.  Great riff and great mood are plagued by not so great vocals.  By this time in the album, vocalist Patrick Fuchs is starting to get a bit grating. His wail and shrill doesn't work in spots. Sounding like a weird combination of Paul Stanley, Blaze Bailey and Ralph Scheepers, his performance comes across a bit out of place and forced but then there are moments when he hits the mark.  But those here for Ross' six string hysterics probably won't paying that much attention.  And those that don't like the crunchy rock of this track will appreciate the sheer Manoness of "God of Dying."  Starting out like something off of Hail to England, bassist Carsten Kettering does his best DeMaio impression before the song moves into a lovely pulsating metal march.  Fuch's improves here but the song really leaves most fans wondering why someone of Eric Adams caliber couldn't be persuaded to bless this anthem.

Those that don't like fist-pumping rock, skip "May the Gods Be With You."  While more corny and Kiss-friendly than crushing, the song is a guilty pleasure for those that don't take their metal that seriously.  Plus the midsection features Ross laying down some serious six-string business. "Constantine's Sword," another Brain Surgeons cover, features that 90's alt-metal stomp fused with a rock aesthetic.  The song is standard, but again Fuchs is all over the place as he seems to wail on and on and the gang vocals are just goofy.  Even those who don't take their metal seriously might be a bit dismayed by this one while defenders of the faith will be bummed out.

Things get a bit more aggressive and groovy with "We Will Kill."  But the gang-shouted vocals killed are just excessive and some parts come off unfocused. "Matador" proves to be one of the better and well-thought out songs with a great groove and plenty of class.  But the ace in the hole is the "Battle Hymns" clone "Immortal Son."  Packing a serious punch, it's nice to hear Ross and his boys dish out some bombastic metal. While not as classy as its inspiration, this song is clearly the best on the album. Great melodic hooks, plenty of chest-beating riffs, a slow part for blazing lighters and Fuch's best vocal performance will leave most folks wondering why there aren't a few more songs like this on the disc. Seriously.

As far as solo albums go, New Metal Leader proves that Ross is still the boss of majestic metal and shredding.  But the cover songs, the gang-shouted vocals and a good portion of Fuch's performance really zap this album of life it deserves and proves this is a debut album.  Not outstanding, nor altogether awful - some of the guitar play here is the best of Ross' long career, nor is this as painfully bloated as Gods of War - there are a lot of soggy spots. Any causal fan of this style of music will probably wince in a few areas and more seasoned fans will find themselves spending a lot of time warming up to the disc. But New Metal Leader will be a guilty pleasure for fiendish power metal and Manowarrior worldwide. Hopefully the follow up will prove Ross and the boys are true metal leaders. They certainly have the chops.

Release Date:  August 22nd, 2008
Label: AFM Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  I. L. H.
2.  Blood of Knives
3.  I Got the Right
4.  Death & Glory
5.  Plague of Lies
6.  God of Dying
7.  May the Gods Be with You
8.  Constantine's Sword
9.  We Will Kill
10.  Matador
11.  Immortal Son

Total playing time: 48:14

TO THE TOP

*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: