Description
Double album with gatefold cover, 4 bonus tracks and poster
Brainstorms fourth album Metus Mortis was released in 2001 and probably their strongest album up to that point. I would say this is where Brainstorm 100% nailed the sound they would become renowned for amongst their power metal peers. This was the second album with Andy B Franck handling vocals, and if he was great on Ambiguity, then he is stupendous on Metus Mortis. He sounds proud and confident, and the vocal lines he laid down here were the likes of which he would continue using over the rest of his career. His layered vocals in the choruses are one of his choice tricks these days, and I’d say here is where he nailed the formula. I’d also say this was where I first started to notice the post-Mustaine snarl to his delivery in all its glory (see “Behind” for a good example of this). Metus Mortis offers solid riffs, good production, and excellent vocals, taking the torch handed off by the likes of early Fate’s Warning and Sanctuary. Some of the best songs Brainstorm ever penned are housed here on Metus Mortis, as well as and including some of their heaviest numbers. Okay, deep breath: “Blind Suffering”, “Shadowland”, “Checkmate In Red”, “Hollow Hideaway”, “Into The Never”, “Behind”, “Meet Me in the Dark” and “Strength of Will” standout as absolute killing highlights. Yeah, pretty much the entire album. Each of those tracks feature either skull fracturing full-speed-ahead madness, massive hooks, or face-melting guitar solos, and in some cases you get it all. I can guarantee this is some of the most bad ass music to fly under the power metal flag. Even the tracks I didn’t mention are still a cut above filler. If you’re new to Brainstorm, then start RIGHT here, as it’s up there with the best of their albums. Highly Recommended
Track list:
1. Metus Mortis
2. Blind Suffering
3. Shadowland
4. Checkmate
5. Hollow Hideaway
6. Weakness Sows Its Seed
7. Into The Never
8. Under Lights
9. Cycles
10. Behind
11. Meet Me In The Dark
12. Strength Of Will
13. Face Down
14. (E.O.C.) Cross Gods Face
15. Dont Wait For Me
16. Savage