Album Review
As the only drummer here at MetalReview – I think – I figured it my duty to review Magna Carta’s latest installment of Drum Nation, a volume that centers on metal rather than prog rock. And as a drummer, albeit an average one, I not only appreciate drum-related releases of any kind, but I can literally watch and listen to drum collaborations, solos, and instructional videos for hours on end. Now, the first two questions that probably enter your mind when an album like this is on the table are: who’s on it and which bands are they in? Behold:
1. Ahhh…the Fade Out – Jordan Mancino (As I Lay Dying)
2. The Near Dominance of 4 Against 5 – Chris Adler (Lamb of God)
3. Fluoxetine – Jeremy Colson (Steve Vai)
4. Up and Atom – Justin Foley (Killswitch Engage)
5. Instr. – Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall)
6. Out of Nowhere – Kenneth Schalk (Candiria)
7. Grounded – Joe Nunez (Soulfly)
8. When the Scales Fell – Tom Taitano (Totalisti)
9. YMCA or TCBY – Chris Pennie (The Dillinger Escape Plan)
10. Swirling Patterns – Derek Roddy (Blotted Science)
11. Impulse – Raanen Bozzio (Stasis)
12. Weak Would – Michael Justice (Unearth)
Even if you don’t like the music of the bands above, said drummers all possess a fair amount of talent, which shines through when providing the backbone for instrumental songs. Most of the material is harmless, however, and wouldn’t be able to stand on its own if not functioning as a showcase for adept drumming, though not bereft of virtuoso-caliber musicianship in every facet. “Fluoxetine” is a Cynic sound-alike with progressive tendencies, “Up and Atom” features world-esque keyboard arrangements, and “Swirling Patterns” employs a thrashy, death metal sound. In short and perhaps unfortunately, it’s easy to get distracted due to the other instrumentation.
At any rate, the individual performances all display various levels of prowess, but it’d be incredibly difficult to pinpoint a drummer who stands head and shoulders above the rest, or, conversely, head and shoulders below. While Volume 3’s audio suffices and brief video footage is included, the downfall of Drum Nation is the absence of depth. Whereas DVDs put out by professional drummers usually provide some insight into the number of pieces in their drumkit(s), the brands they use, and overall technique, DN does not. If drumming is one of your passions, then I’d advise checking out a DVD that one of your heroes – Bozzio, Donati, Mounier, Portnoy, whoever – has unleashed. Ultimately, any of those are more rewarding than an audio disc enhanced with a few video clips.
1. Ahhh…the Fade Out – Jordan Mancino (As I Lay Dying)
2. The Near Dominance of 4 Against 5 – Chris Adler (Lamb of God)
3. Fluoxetine – Jeremy Colson (Steve Vai)
4. Up and Atom – Justin Foley (Killswitch Engage)
5. Instr. – Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall)
6. Out of Nowhere – Kenneth Schalk (Candiria)
7. Grounded – Joe Nunez (Soulfly)
8. When the Scales Fell – Tom Taitano (Totalisti)
9. YMCA or TCBY – Chris Pennie (The Dillinger Escape Plan)
10. Swirling Patterns – Derek Roddy (Blotted Science)
11. Impulse – Raanen Bozzio (Stasis)
12. Weak Would – Michael Justice (Unearth)
Even if you don’t like the music of the bands above, said drummers all possess a fair amount of talent, which shines through when providing the backbone for instrumental songs. Most of the material is harmless, however, and wouldn’t be able to stand on its own if not functioning as a showcase for adept drumming, though not bereft of virtuoso-caliber musicianship in every facet. “Fluoxetine” is a Cynic sound-alike with progressive tendencies, “Up and Atom” features world-esque keyboard arrangements, and “Swirling Patterns” employs a thrashy, death metal sound. In short and perhaps unfortunately, it’s easy to get distracted due to the other instrumentation.
At any rate, the individual performances all display various levels of prowess, but it’d be incredibly difficult to pinpoint a drummer who stands head and shoulders above the rest, or, conversely, head and shoulders below. While Volume 3’s audio suffices and brief video footage is included, the downfall of Drum Nation is the absence of depth. Whereas DVDs put out by professional drummers usually provide some insight into the number of pieces in their drumkit(s), the brands they use, and overall technique, DN does not. If drumming is one of your passions, then I’d advise checking out a DVD that one of your heroes – Bozzio, Donati, Mounier, Portnoy, whoever – has unleashed. Ultimately, any of those are more rewarding than an audio disc enhanced with a few video clips.
Ralph |
posted on 10/2006 |
I found this CD decent. I really am not impressed at all with Jason Bittner's track. Its repetitive and that whole so called unemotional drum solo is terrible. Track#3 has a really cool old school thrash riff and great drumming and bass solo by DiGiorgio! Ken Candiria track is pretty sick also. Its a shame he gave up drums. But i have to give major thumbs to Up & Atom. I never knew KSE drummer had talent. I mean all the percussion blended in there, that is talent. The guitars are awesome also. Very fusiony i guess. Great solos! According to the video his good friend Jeff Wu played guitar and from my research they were in red tide. So i have to say track#4 is probably the best out of all of them.
windowlicker |
posted on 10/2006 |
If anyone does not know who Keneth Schalk (Candiria) is you must check him out. He is easily within the top 3 drummers listed on this comp. My personal favorite. Being an at least average drummer myself I must say that he is one of the best I have ever seen in the thousands upon thousands of shows I have been to. Just listen and watch him and you will see...
