Impellitteri "Venom" First Impressions

metaldude wrote:I'm liking it. I'm a sucker for a good guitar sound and Chris definitely has one.

And yes, there is definitely a Trooper thing going on in Time Machine.

Pershing1134 wrote:

Kerrick wrote:I haven't heard it so I can't say about The Trooper, but now I am intrigued!

cliffenstein wrote:I've got it...the production and mastering are fantastic and of course the performances are as well.

I'm an unmitigated fan of this band, but those who are not will not likely be made fans by this album.

Even though Chris has the best singer fronting his band, the lyrics and vocals come across like they're just there so that Chris can have a reason to go crazy.  Also, many of the songs have VERY similar riffs and solos.  One could say the same about most of Malmsteen's catalog as well.

I wish guitar heroes were more willing to focus on the song instead of the guitar.  But...it is the way it is with these guys and I personally love it anyway.

Follower of Jesus wrote:I didn't care for it all that much. The songs are indistinguishable from one another. And dare I say it...Rob's voice is getting old to me. He sounds the same on every song. That's why I loved the song "Move On" from the Holy Hell album...he actually just sang. I wish there was more of that. This isn't a bad album at all, but it just doesn't hold my interest very long at all.

sentient 6 wrote:..this sounds pretty good.

.....I may end up getting this.

Follower of Jesus wrote:I didn't care for it all that much. The songs are indistinguishable from one another. And dare I say it...Rob's voice is getting old to me. He sounds the same on every song. That's why I loved the song "Move On" from the Holy Hell album...he actually just sang. I wish there was more of that. This isn't a bad album at all, but it just doesn't hold my interest very long at all.

sentient 6 wrote:

Follower of Jesus wrote:I didn't care for it all that much. The songs are indistinguishable from one another. And dare I say it...Rob's voice is getting old to me. He sounds the same on every song. That's why I loved the song "Move On" from the Holy Hell album...he actually just sang. I wish there was more of that. This isn't a bad album at all, but it just doesn't hold my interest very long at all.

To honest, i've never really cared for Robs vocal style that much. Its kind of a an exaggerated way of singing to me. " Over " singing maybe ? But still listen to his work though, because the good still out weighs the bad.


Personally, I would rather have someone like a matt barlow ( iced earth ) or a Russell Allen ( symphony x ) singing over this great muisc.

Professor_Valconian wrote:

cliffenstein wrote:I've got it...the production and mastering are fantastic and of course the performances are as well.

I'm an unmitigated fan of this band, but those who are not will not likely be made fans by this album.

Even though Chris has the best singer fronting his band, the lyrics and vocals come across like they're just there so that Chris can have a reason to go crazy.  Also, many of the songs have VERY similar riffs and solos.  One could say the same about most of Malmsteen's catalog as well.

I wish guitar heroes were more willing to focus on the song instead of the guitar.  But...it is the way it is with these guys and I personally love it anyway.

Have to agree with virtually everything you said.

Despite the riffs being a bit too "samey" I am really digging the record.

I do think Rob does a great job with the vocals, and think there are more than enough hooks. I also appreciate many of the lyrics.

My favorite tracks are: Venom, Empire of Lies, We Own the Night, Time Machine, Reach for the Sky.

This is a very solid release. It is in my top 3 by Impellitteri.