"Stonerrock.com gives FACES OF BLACK two thumbs up!!" the press info screams. And somewhere else on the press sheet the s-word pops up again. Well, that's all very nice but don't think this is another case of fuzz-riffed desert rock. The title track that opens this 7-song CD makes it clear right away; this is Heavy Metal of the old fashioned variety. FACES OF BLACK are a rock threesome from Vancouver, BC and this is their second release.

They sure know the importance of a good opening track, because that aforementioned album opener is quite a grabber. The kind of old school heavy metal song that makes you grab your air guitar right away, with a great vocal line by singer/bassist Christine Apro. Her vocals, although I personally don't have a problem with them, are somewhat of an acquired taste. Her high and sometimes rather flat way of singing (at times reminiscent of KATE of Belgian speed metal legend ACID – anyone old enough to remember them?) is a big contrast with the heavy guitars, although she delivers the occasional piercing scream as well. There's some great riffs that should make fans of JUDAS PRIEST, SAXON and BLACK SABBATH very happy. The fact that the guitar parts consist of more riffs than leads, combined with the very basic production, even give some of the more up tempo tracks an almost punk feel. Just like a lot of that good ol' New Wave Of British Heavy Metal this reviewer grew up with.

The album closes with a cover version of SLAYER's "Bloodline" and it's a pretty decent version. Mrs. Apro is certainly no Tom Araya but she does sing this song with a lot more aggression than on the rest of the album. All in all this is one of those releases that reminds me why I started listening to this music in the first place. So I hereby officially declare that Peacedogman.com gives FACES OF BLACK two thumbs up as well!!

- Van Hoften

OFFICIAL SITE: myspace.com/facesofblack

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