THIS heavy metal band from Miami, Florida, comprises Gabriel Garcia (vocals/guitar), Alex Nunez (guitar), Zachary Sandler (bass), and Steven Spence (drums).Each member of Black Tide was under 20 years of age (some say Garciawas only 15 at that time) during the recording of this debut album, making it very recognisable in the music industry.
The second head-turner is their label: Interscope.
That's the home of 50 Cent, Gwen Stefani, and Jimmy Eat World. On this first record, these teenagers are labelmates with Dr Dre. Areyou jealous, or are you jealous?
And Black Tide might rightly deserve its good fortune.
Most metal bands will never reach the maturity of Light From Above. It's true-blue metal lifted straight from the 80s - think Dio, IronMaiden, Armored Saint.
Thrash beats drop in at times, but otherwise it's melodies for miles.
The opener, Shockwave, shows us right away that these kids can play. It's immediately clear lead guitarist Nunez is a star in the making GiveMe A Chance is an Ozzyesque anthem, complete with power ballad cleantones.
Light From Above revives Iron Maiden harmonies and retro bass work.
Even a filler track like Show Me The Way uncorks tasty Van Halen lickswhile its cover of Metallica's Hit The Lights is amazingly spot-on.
The problem with the album is the lyrics - so cheesy.
Warriors Of Time could have been an amazing anthem if not for Garcia's "Whoooooooooaooooh" right from the start of the track till the end.
Nevertheless, the album is as solid as they come and should earn Black Tide loads of fans.
Not bad for a bunch of kids with long hair. – NST 14/09/2008
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