Be sure to check any preconceived notions of what this disc will sound like before listening. The band may share its name with RAM JAM's iconic 70's rock song, but any similarities end there. This is a thick-sounding, well-crafted platter of SABBATH-worship that will no-doubt please fans of that ever-growing genre.

It seems like just yesterday that every other new band emerging in the world of rock was a two-person outfit. With the trendiness that accompanied that deluge (hopefully) behind us, it seems that BLACK BETTY's debut record has been unleashed on the world at just the appropriate time. The band is made up of SIR HEDGEHOG vocalist Jonas Fairly handling the skins and vocal duties, with guitarist Ana Serena contributing her monster tone and ethereal backing vocals.

Despite the two-member line-up, it doesn't sound like anything is lacking on this release, sonically. Fairly not only destroys the drumkit with a reckless, Keith Moon-ish abandon, his powerful vocals wail in a way reminiscent of vintage Chris Cornell. It would be interesting to see how he pulls of this double duty in a live setting! For a clear example of his dominance, listen as he pilots "House of Chains" through numerous time-signature changes and ferocious drum breaks. He turns in another spectacular performance in "Devil Eyes," but the song really comes alive during the bridge sections, when Ana chimes in with some great vocal harmonies.

Anyone who's heard "Electric Funeral," "Into the Void," and countless other SABBATH anthems will know what to expect from most of the tunes on here. Familiar? Yes. Well performed, written and produced? Absolutely.

- Broadbent

OFFICIAL SITE: myspace.com/blackbettymetal

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