Metal maniacs, rejoice! I'm proud to present to you: OCTOBER 31; signed via Hells Headbangers Records, hailing from the United States of America - performing Heavy Metal, on their 5^th album entitled "Metal Massacre 31". (Released November 25^th, 2016)

Since formation in 1995; the quintet in question have 4 albums behind them, I am introduced to their 5^th record "Metal Massacre 31" - a compilation of covers from various quartets in the Heavy Metal spectrum. 10 tracks ranging at around 36:24; comprised with chosen songs from bands such as DEATH DEALER (not to be confused with the Power Metal band from California), WAR CRY & OMEN - okay, sure...I personally have never listened to these bands, and going in with low expectations; I am still not overly astonished with the opening tracks "Cross My Way" (DEATH DEALER), "Forbidden Evil" (WAR CRY) & "Torture Me" (OMEN). The instrumentation sounds solid...and justifies the Heavy Metal sub-genre elegantly. Matt Ibach on guitars flourishes with enlightening riffs of an intricate design; similarly found with Brian "Hellstorm" Williams on lead guitar...this dexterous duo competently providing exquisite riffs...

..and the consistent powerhouse from Jim Hunter on bass & Sean Wilhide on drums showcase a complex distinctive in their contributions; however, I had a hard time trying to enjoy King Fowley on vocals...something about them just didn't fit with me. They seemed to overtake the instrumentation; which isn't entirely a bad thing, only when they oversaturate the sound production - it can sound a little troubling, nothing against him...as he does perform exceedingly well with intense screams & decent Heavy Metal cords at least. "The Awakening" (TITANIC), "Dead Of The Night" (DEMON FLIGHT) & "Heavy Metal Virgin" (ALOHA) deliver a broad incentive to provide an efficient amount of fulfilling Heavy Metal (not so much with the Virgin) integrity. "The Alien" (SACRED BLADE), "Metal Merchants" (HALLOW'S EVE) & "The Warrior" sufficiently showcase a convoluted aesthetic with original substance in the creativity - gracefully.

"Battle Of Armageddon" (TYRANT) concludes "Metal Massacre 31" overall compels me to say that while the musicianship was spot on in Heavy Metal standards; the songwriting I felt was a little bland at times having heard chosen songs a dozen times elsewhere, nothing felt constructively adapt. I must keep in mind though that this is a cover record, so if you're looking for originality - there's nothing excelling here that warrants a must listen to classic.

As a Heavy Metal fan; I am a little disappointed with "Metal Massacre 31", yet I appreciate what OCTOBER 31 have delivered to the community. Some good Heavy Metal tracks here - just nothing overly stimulating.<