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DOWNSPIRIT
"Point of Origin"
(Metalville; 2010)
Reviewed by Mike SOS
Combining the bombast of power metal with the hip-grinding rhythms of bluesy sleaze rock, the debut endeavor by Sweden’s Downspirit takes a trip back in time harkening the glory days of the Sunset Strip with a bevy of clichés in tow for as authentic a vibe you can expect from a modern act.
From the outfit’s Shotgun Messiah-meets-Nickelback thick and heavy sound to their predilection to bust out harmonicas and Heil boxes at the drop of a hat (“Highway Run”), Downspirit makes no bones about their affection for all things 80s (“Lovesong”).
Providing muscular riffs and cheeky choruses aplenty, Downspirit’s performance packs a punch and is a good-time-seeking, guitar-driven album with a surprising amount of heaviness at the forefront. Yet, like many of the acts they aim to emulate, they lack an overall substance to make a lasting impression or remain memorable.
For more information, check out http://www.downspirit.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2011 by R.
Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
Revised:
14 Oct 2024 12:41:50 -0400 .
