Mr. Blackwell

Burn

Skin It Music

Review by Vladimir Levin

Thanks to the band for the CD

Mr. Blackwell's album opens with the blistering title-song "Burn". It's heavy, guitar-driven and instantly catchy. "Under your skin I'm crawling, Into your soul, you know it's burning... Cities burn, as we stand and watch the flames...". Yes, this song does get under your skin, I had to replay it several times to get it out of my system.

Mr. Blackwell delivers a catchy stop-n-start brand of Metal which reminds me of some of the late 80's bands, but also there's a bit of Pantera style in there and a kind of sluggishness and occasionaly a nasal vocalization reminiscent in passing of early Pearl Jam. My favorite track (besides Burn) on this album is the incredible "Breaking Me Down". It's inventive use of synth and powerful spoken-word lyrics combined with an agressive rhythm section makes it the keynote song in a field full of terrific songs. Track 5, "To Die For You" is a soft piano-solo piece. It's good in its own right and also nicely introduces the 6th track, "Torn", a somewhat sludgy alternative song which features a kind of middle-eastern guitar sound. Following these two tracks, the album returns to reliably heavy and tasty songs such as "Shine" and "Save Yourself" which have a strong hardcore element, not unlike Pro-Pain and another excellent band reviewed in this issue Profane!

All in all, the songs on this album are full of speed, energy and gusto. The production is of a high quality and the album keeps your attention throughout. "Burn" is a gritty, dramatic urban anthem with intelligent lyrics and vivid imagery. I highly recommend this excellent album.

Mr. Blackwell is:
Warren Gary - Vocals
Marc Anthony - Drums, Keyboard, Piano, Vocals
Bill Barbour - Guitars, Vocals
Michael Moore - Guitar, Vocals

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