These guys are what I would imagine BULLET LAVOLTA would sound like if they had completely crossed over into the metal zone. The things they have in common are mostly the dual guitars, loud anthem-like backup vocals and plastic-sounding, overbearing snare drum. While we are on the subject of drums – it’s hard for me to handle their overproduced sound. The aforementioned snare, stiff double bass, and overall slickness do not help this music more than hinder it. It doesn't blend with the bass all that well, which is too bad because the drummer is very talented. I think these guys deserve better, because the songs, riffs, vocals and overall guitar tones are pretty impressive.

The band claims to be strongly influenced by 80’s rock, but I think there is more to them than that (even if they don’t see it themselves). I can’t imagine how killer this record would sound if it were recorded more like a FU MANCHU record with a 70’s/now vibe rather than 80’s (or maybe the 80’s as in the “un80’s” style of Martin Birch on MAIDEN's earlier work). With that in mind, the singer’s voice is slightly reminiscent of Bruce Dickinson. Again, the guitar sound is top notch. These two axmen are even are more impressive with their rhythm abilities than their soloing. The solos are good, but some of the chords and riffs these guys come up with are definitely not run-of-the-mill by any means. And maybe I’m imagining it, but I think there is a slight VOIVOD influence. Piggy’s been dead barely a week so maybe it’s something on my mind. Likewise, this group has a lot to contribute to metal’s future as it peers into its past.

- Herring

OFFICIAL SITE: myspace.com/listeriametalband

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