Bill Menchen’s Titanic albums

I had the original Maiden Voyage album when it was first released in 1996. I thought it was good at the time, but I overlooked it because I was more into thrash. Now I just bought all three reissues from Retroactive records. Looking at the other thread in the “die to live” section, I totally disagree with the original poster’s opinion. I hate the remaster by J. Powell. It’s a muddy mess with no clarity. I seem to always come to that conclusion with everything he works on. Nothing against the guy as a person… 

Now the third album “Full Speed Ahead” is a night and day difference! Rob Colwell knows what he’s doing! His mastering is excellent! Just as good as Metallica’s black album IMO. Very balanced with lots of clarity. No wonder he is the current “go to” guy for remasters these days. The only thing I can agree with from the other thread is that the songs are not as memorable as Maiden Voyage. But the guitar tone is very infectious and crunchy. And I also like the Kevin Dubrow style vocals. 

I also had recently recommended Luke Easter be hired to record vocals for a fourth album.

I actually liked Cliffy's remasters.  Some of Colwell's work, to me, is too muddy.

To each, his own I suppose.

You’re a bass guy… ‘nuff said. 

If Colwell is guilty of anything, it’s being too clean and crisp. Could you give me the name of a Colwell remaster that you think is “muddy”? I want to check it out.

I know what muddy is. Most of Place of Skull’s albums are a prime example. Victor Griffin chose them to sound like that. That said… I like the sound Ted Kirkpatrick achieved on his Sabbath tribute. It’s super low end and heavy, but it retained a crisp drum sound and a defined guitar presence. Nice and clear vocals too.

I apologize. 

Hate is too strong of word. I don’t hate Cliffy’s work. I just prefer Rob Colwell’s.

TZ75 wrote:You’re a bass guy… ‘nuff said. 

If Colwell is guilty of anything, it’s being too clean and crisp. Could you give me the name of a Colwell remaster that you think is “muddy”? I want to check it out.

Recon and Eternal Ryte

I actually ended up replacing those remasters with a less bass heavy sound of my own that was brighter.  I couldn't stand the finished versions of those.

alldatndensum wrote:

TZ75 wrote:You’re a bass guy… ‘nuff said. 

If Colwell is guilty of anything, it’s being too clean and crisp. Could you give me the name of a Colwell remaster that you think is “muddy”? I want to check it out.

Recon and Eternal Ryte

I actually ended up replacing those remasters with a less bass heavy sound of my own that was brighter.  I couldn't stand the finished versions of those.

I’ll check those out. But somehow I think we have different standards.

And then there is the opposite problem… when a recording is too bright! Like the original Weapons of Our Warfare album. I love that record, but it’s so freaking bright!

But to be fair, that was common for albums recorded 30 years ago. If you wanted bass, you needed a good stereo system.

alldatndensum wrote:

TZ75 wrote:You’re a bass guy… ‘nuff said. 

If Colwell is guilty of anything, it’s being too clean and crisp. Could you give me the name of a Colwell remaster that you think is “muddy”? I want to check it out.

Recon and Eternal Ryte

I actually ended up replacing those remasters with a less bass heavy sound of my own that was brighter.  I couldn't stand the finished versions of those.

You mean these?? They sound great! Especially for remastered old recordings. In comparison, Titanic’s first two albums were from the mid to late 90’s. Recording technology was already pretty good by then (hence Pantera’s albums with Terry Date and the early Nevermore stuff). 

I didn't like them at all.

Thanks TZ for menchening this band.

Would you post a link to their best song?  Years ago they didn't really grab me.

Temple of Blood wrote:Thanks TZ for menchening this band.

Would you post a link to their best song?  Years ago they didn't really grab me.

Don’t menchen it. 

The best song is always subjective. But the first album is quite catchy imo.

Try these songs: 
“You’ve Got Nothing On Me”, “Gods of War” and “Hollywood Blvd”. 

Keep in mind that the drumming is a lot better on the re-recording with Robert Sweet.

This review is pretty dead on. Although there is no menchen of Cliffy’s remastering. Lol

I agree that the cover art was better on the original ‘96 release. But Robert Sweet did improve the music on the reissue. 

I like this song too! It’s from the third album. It has a much brighter big crunchy guitar sound. It reminds me of a slightly more uptempo Motley Crue- “Looks That Kill” with Kevin Dubrow style vocals.