Taker
Untitled release
Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt
Of the demos I picked up at Cornerstone, this one has the best production. These four songs probably cost $500 each to produce. They really rip and crack the air with a crisp, clean sound. Taker has talent. Of these four songs, they show off four different styles - without departing from each other too much. "Open Your Heart" has a British metal guts and power bass, while carrying a commercial feel to the vocals. The last four chords sound like an intro to a thrash song. "He Is the Light" has a melodic intro on electric guitar that wails, yet has a tremendous amount of feeling - similar to a Michael Schenker lead. The vocals are sung the same way, as the singer slowly keeps his voice in the high range. It sounds similar to Malachai and old Judas Priest. "Wa-a-a-ah!!" "Yesterday, Today and Forever" shows their ballad side, which is pulled off skillfully and with impact. It ends with a killer double lead. "The 11 O'Clock News" ends the tape with a military anthem feel and a good crunchy rhythm. It's good cereal for your morning get up and go! The overall lyrical theme of the tape is: Jesus is King! This tape really delivers its metal. Where many demos simply exhibit potential, this one shows that the talent is already here! Overall, this melodic heavy metal tape is one of the best demos of the year. I'm not sure if this demo is available for sale. I get the impression that it's strictly for record company and media use, because it's recorded on a 60-minute TDK tape. You can write them and beg them to sell you a copy at: Taker, PO Box 5165, Woodbridge VA 22194.