React
Innerload
With something that began like a SINNER kind of attack, I had high hopes. Nonetheless, as I went further into the opening song "Fake World"... Oh I am sorry; I forgot to introduce these fine dudes. This track is the opener of the Italian Heavy Metal band of INNERLOAD's debut album, "React", released via SG Records. Continuing my frenzy intro, after I had my high hopes that same track lowered my enthusiasm of the musical direction I was listening to. I wouldn't exactly call it a tired material or performance, but in a way it lacked any kind of positive energies. However, from most of the way forward, everything turned out to be rather bright than the dimness I felt earlier on.
"React", with the emergence of "Dancing Queen" took me into several other Metal courses such a modernize version of NWOBHM and something like HELLOWEEN and IRON MAIDEN. Though Cortez, the band's lead vocalist, didn't strike me as one of those high end vocalists, and it sure shows, yet he has something comforting in his voice that suited the band's music. Some would probably argue that there isn't anything new on what INNERLOAD did on this album as most of the material played is mere NWOBHM along with German Metal manipulation by the book.
On the other hand, I felt like INNERLOAD tried to break the traditional outcomes of the old Metal regime and let in something of their own. To say that it went straight, I can't count on their full achievement, yet, they have several points where their attempts to reshape traditional Metal did go well. Thus, with the aid of influences of the past, such as the harmonious twin guitars and bass work affiliations, they created some nice moments that would imply of a promising road ahead. As proof I can direct you to fine tracks as "Million Times" and "The Wizard" that didn't need the touch of gold to prove their worth. Also, do remember that "Dancing Queen" began the turn of events of the release and from there on the experience was far better.
I think that for a debut, "React" is sufficient. Though can't be crowned as an amazing success, this album is a good showcase of where this group is going. Whether breaking the chains of the past or protecting the old is their path, it is rather hard to tell because without tradition they would have been here in the first place.
7 / 10
Good
"React" Track-listing:
1. Through The Inner
2. Fake World
3. Dancing Queen
4. Eco Criminal
5. Million Times
6. Painful Freedom
7. The Wizard
Innerload Lineup:
Marco Cortese "Cortez"- Vocals
Raimondo Lamanna "Ray"-Guitars
Giorgio Bolognesi "Giò"- Guitars
Alessio Novello "Ale"- Bass
Daniele Musaragno "Musa"-Drums
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