SQUEALER

"The Prophecy" (Metal Blade; 2000)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

When you hear the name "Squealer" and you discover the band has been around since the 80s, your first thought may be that this CD is by one of those cheesy bands from the early days who thought all you needed was loud, fast guitars, big hair and lyrics about sex, drugs and death to make heavy metal music.

But Squealer is much more than their admittedly somewhat cheesy name may indicate. Squealer plays sophisticated and tightly knit power metal with epic lyrical content and surprisingly impressive musicianship. All of the expected power metal tricks and riffs are here, but the band's songwriting style and musical versatility gives their sound a stylish edge that other power metal bands may not have.

If you're a power metal fan and you've avoided Squealer because their name sounded too much like one of those fly-by-night, in-it-for-the-quick-cash metal poser bands, give them a chance. I think that - like me - you'll be more than pleasantly surprised.

Squealer: Henner - lead vocals, backing vocals; Lars Doring - guitars, lead guitars; Michael Schiel - guitars, lead and acoustic guitars; Tobias "Eggi" Exxel - bass. 

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.


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Copyright © 2002 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
Revised: 04 Oct 2020 15:25:38 -0400.