Metal Allegiance
                                                                                                            Label:Nuclear Blast
                                                                                                            Release Date: 18Th September
Metal Allegiance are a Heavy Metallers dream featuring some of the best and most revered Musicians of this form of music we all love so much it is our lifeblood! Founded by Winery Dogs Drummer Mike Portnoy, Testaments Guitarist Alex Skolnick, Megdeth Bassist David Ellefson and Metal Allegiance Principal partner Mark Genghi 
The All-Star Metal wrecking crew includes Down, Superjoint and ex-Pantera singer Phil Anselmo, Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante, Testament vocalist Chuck Billy, Lamb of God vocalist Randy Blythe, Guns N' Roses guitarist Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, Machine Head guitarist Phil Demmel and Arch Enemy vocalist Alissa White-Gluz. Also making their presence felt are Trivium vocalist Matthew Heafy, Exodus and Slayer guitarist Gary Holt, Hatebreed vocalist Jamey Jasta, Fozzy vocalist Chris Jericho, Sepultura guitarist Andreas Kisser, Periphery guitarist Misha Mansoor, Death Angel vocalist Mark Osegueda, former Judas Priest and Iced Earth vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens, King's X vocalist/bassist Dug Pinnick, Mastodon vocalist/bassist Troy Sanders, Lacuna Coil vocalist Cristina Scabbia, Exodus vocalist Steve "Zetro" Souza and The Dillinger Escape Plan guitarist Ben Weinman.

Contained on the standard edition CD are nine tracks which are all Metal Monsters, all running over five minutes ,this is an awesome release opening with “Gift of Pain” which features Lamb of Gods Blythe on vocals, this is a bruising and aggressive opener with some sublime and exhilarating riffs delivered by Alex Scholnick with growls from the deepest pits of hell from Blythe  you will be thrashing your head in delirium to this opening track.
 “Let Darkness Fall” opens with some fierce drumming from Mike Portney ,this song features Mastodon Troy Sanders and  really works its magic , it is a stunning song as part way through the track slows down and you are treated to some acoustic guitar sounds that wash deep into your soul, then it livens up  becoming a chugging monstrosity  transfixing, and astounding you ,this in seven minutes of Metal Heaven. 
 “Dying Song” see's Phil Anselmo taking you on a Southern incursion  you will be  rocking and absorbing this piece its slow doomy opening then turns into a frenzy of huge proportions  becoming a total moshing, head banging extravaganza.
 

Next “Can't Kill The Devil” for me is the highlight , it’s a Thrashing juggernaut which plows through tipped Steel fences that send spikes plunging into your Metal heart. 
 With Andreas Kisser and Phil Demmel on additional lead guitar this is a relentless Thrasher that wreaks havoc with your brain cells , it should have a warning sticker on it as you will strain and tear your neck muscles guaranteed”!
It just doesn't stop as the pairing of Cristna Scabbia from Lacuna Coil ,and  Death Angels Mark Osegueda on “Scars” is a Melodic Thrashing Machine that contains a breathtaking guitar solo from Skolnick and pounding drums from Portnoy  with the gorgeous vocals of Cristina combined with Osguedas really add  malice to proceedings.

“Destination Nowhere” sees Trivium's Matt Heafy  duelling with Skolnick  Heafy's clean vocal style come to the fore and Rocks your socks off!
Metal Allegiance are one helluva super group as you can already tell and the next track features the talents of Kings X front man Dug Pinnick and Hatebreeds Jamy Jasta , 65 year old Pinnick's vocals, Jastas Hardcore  tones  work so well, its an interesting track and a little bit different, thrown into the mix wicked and scintillating riffs from Scholnik work wonders.
 
"Triangulum: I. Creation II. Evolution III.” Destruction" is a supreme instrumental featuring Bumblefoot from Guns N Roses , Phil Demmel , Machine Head to name but a few ,the guitar man ship is awe inspiring , jaw droppingly glorious , a full Metal Meltdown that rocks hard into your consciousness. “Pledge of Allegiance”  twists and thrusts  , building into an all-out thunderous zenith! The guitar work is deftly performed offering slower moments along with faster more transcendent offerings in the style of 80s Metal.
 
This Album is an enjoyable killer release , one to be grabbed hold of and adored! Make sure you check out the digipak edition which features a tribute to Ronnie James Dio with a cover of "We Rock" as well as a 45-minute behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of the album. There will also be a double vinyl version. Metal Allegiance ROCK!
 

Review: Seb Di Gatto    Score:10/10
 

Tracklisting:
1. "Gift Of Pain"
Vocals: D. Randall Blythe
Lead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex Skolnick
Bass: David Ellefson
Drums: Mike Portnoy
Additional Lead Guitar: Gary Holt
 

2. "Let Darkness Fall"
Vocals: Troy Sanders
Lead, Rhythm & Acoustic Guitars: Alex Skolnick
Bass: David Ellefson
Drums & Percussion: Mike Portnoy
Additional Bass: Mark Menghi & Rex Brown
Additional Screams: D. Randall Blythe
 

3. "Dying Song"
Vocals: Philip H. Anselmo
Lead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex Skolnick
Bass: Mark Menghi
Drums: Mike Portnoy
 

4. "Can't Kill The Devil"
Vocals: Chuck Billy
Lead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex Skolnick
Bass: David Ellefson
Drums: Mike Portnoy
Additional Lead Guitar: Phil Demmel & Andreas Kisser
 

5. "Scars"
Vocals: Mark Osegueda & Cristina Scabbia
Lead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex Skolnick
Bass: David Ellefson
Drums: Mike Portnoy
 

6. "Destination: Nowhere"
Vocals: Matthew K. Heafy
Lead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex Skolnick
Bass: David Ellefson
Drums: Mike Portnoy
Additional Lead Guitar: Matthew K. Heafy
 

7. "Wait Until Tomorrow"
Vocals: Dug Pinnick & Jamey Jasta
Lead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex Skolnick
Bass: David Ellefson
Drums, Percussion & Additional Vocals: Mike Portnoy
 

8. "Triangulum: I. Creation II. Evolution III. Destruction"
Lead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex Skolnick
Bass: David Ellefson
Drums: Mike Portnoy
Additional Lead Guitar: Misha Mansoor, Ben Weinman, Charlie Benante, Phil Demmel, Matthew K. Heafy & Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal
 

9. "Pledge Of Allegiance"
Vocals: Mark Osegueda
Lead & Rhythm Guitars: Alex Skolnick
Bass: David Ellefson
Drums: Mike Portnoy
Additional Lead Guitar: Charlie Benante, Gary Holt & Andreas Kisser             Facebook       Website