Tardy Brothers - Bloodline

May 10, 2009

Reviewer: Rottenbucher

John and Donald Tardy have decided to use their new studio and a bit of spare time to release a solo album. John handles the vocals while Donald not only dominates the skins, but also handles rhythm guitar and bass. Those thinking this is going to be an Obituary clone might be a little disappointed. Those think that the Tardy Brothers have nothing to offer outside of their main band will be in for a surprise.

Right from the get go, the chunky album opener "Bring You Down"  sounds like the leftovers of  Pro-Pain and Obituary colliding at high speed.  It's got a great death-laden grove and the over-the-top solos from lead guitarists Ralph Santolla, Jerry Tidwell (original Xecutioner guitarist!), John Lee and Scott Johnson. The groove continues with the similarly styled title track. At this point it's clear there is a formula in place and folks that don't dig World Demise might be ready to throw in the towel. But if you stick around, there is another great batch of solos and some fresh riffs. "I'm Alive" finds the band slowing down to a snail's pace. Unfortunately outside of the soloing hysterics, the song just doesn't really get off the ground with its weird doom 'n groove riffs that don't change too much.

Obituary fans will dig "Deep Down."  For the first time on the album, the Tardy boys get up to their normal pace.  Perhaps a leftover from Xectuioner's Return, or just a great song, the swampy death metal returns and Santolla's contribution really makes this song sound like a recent Obituary track.  "Wired" is a jarring about-face.  An acoustic instrumental, the song is nearly 3 minutes of awesome atmosphere and mood.  After the shock of the previous song wears off; the death and groove returns with the pummeling "Fate's Call." Built on a catch riff and bolstered with John's great roar, the song really is the ground work for yet another batch of totally awesome soloing.  "Eternal Lies" works much like the first two songs in delivering a great collision of death and groove metal.

Things get unique with "Scream Descendent."  John simply screams, Donald carries the song while the soloing approaches new highs with an addition of blazing acoustic and electric leads that would make Yngwie proud. It's easy to say that this song certainly sums up the artists perfectly.  No one screams like John, Donald has always delivers some fantastic drumming and the lead guitarist knows how to not only show off, but capture the listener. The album is summed up nicely with the encompassing "Fade Away."  Incorporating a lot of the previous elements as well as a more traditional metal slant, the song contains great riffs and melodies that these brothers never dabble in.

While not a fantastic album, it's pretty successful in delivering a batch of tunes that should appeal to most of the Tardy's fan base.  But what is clear is that the album isn't that cohesive and plays more like a batch of songs the guys came up with and asked their friends to spruce up with some seriously top shelf solos. While the solos are a welcome feature, at times it is hard to tell if this album is about John and Donald or the guest lead guitarists.  Those that enjoy shredding will certainly find a lot to love here.  But those that are more into the death 'n groove aspects might be put off on occasion. Those simply looking standard Obituary offering will be put off by the groove and the lack of those subterranean/Celtic Frost-inspired riffs.  So for those waiting the Obituary disc to be released this summer, could find plenty to hold them over while fans of groove and shredding solos usually put off by death metal should find it easy to appreciate this offering from death metal's most unique family.

Release Date:  April 7th, 2009
Label: Candlelight Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  Bring You Down
2.  Bloodline
3.  I'm Alive
4.  Deep Down
5.  Wired
6.  Fate's Call
7.  Eternal Lies
8.  Scream Descendent
9.  Fade Away

Total playing time: 38:24

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