Melodic Metal take on country classics written by the likes of Johnny Cash, Hank Williams I, II, and III, George Jones, Steve Earle, Dwight Yoakam, Willie Nelson et al. Growling mean vocals and many high profile guests (e.g. Lee Ving of Fear singing). Lots of machine gun double kick drum metal pummeling, slick guitars and production. It borders on novelty in many respects, like when people do all bluegrass versions of Pink Floyd or Pixies albums. But its good in that it does reflect how dark country lyrics can be, how (real, not “new”country): country and death metal have a lot in common when it comes down to it. For fans of Hank, Cash, and Sepultura, Mettalica alike. Longtime OC band, took a hiatus and returns now.

See the one-sheet inside for a breakdown of songwriters, performers. Great stuff.

1) (3:42) country heroes – Hank III – starts quiet, mellow then gets heavy with a nod to many of the following songwriters 2) (3:40) “whiskey river” -Willie – generic feeling speed metal, I guess its decent but willie seemed to deserve better on this one 3) (3:31) outlaw man -eagles – mid paced metal chug, 4)* (3:45) “ghost riders in the sky” – this version has members of the Carter-Cash dynasty singing in it (!), pummeling 5)* (3:11) “only hell my mama ever raised” – johnny paycheck – excellent with lots of hell references, evil full on thrash 6)* (3:53) “if the drinking don’t kill me” – George Jones- epic head nodding big metal, with classic chorus, yes 7)* (3:49) the man comes around – Johnny Cash – full on Sepultura love mixed with dark religious Cash lyrics 8)* (4:26) Thousand Miles from Nowhere – Dwight Yoakam classic turned metal, the guitar lead rings true to original 9) (3:35) “copperhead road” Steve earle- big rock, slick 80’s buttrock feel 10) (4:37) “Dad’s gonna kill me” – Richard Thompson song, slower swingier, Fear Factory vocalist guests 11) (3:41) “a country boy can survive” hank Williams Jr song - big epic metal rock fee, double kick 12) (3:50) the ride – hardcore metal feel but slick, Lee Ving (Fear) sings