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Vermillion Road Palaces Review by Gary Hill This probably qualifies as heavy metal, but it’s more on the modern pop side of that equation. There is a lot of alternative rock, nu-metal and even grunge in the mix here. It’s probably got as much in common with Nickelback as it does with classic metal. Still, there is quite a bit to like here. That said, it does have a tendency toward being generic. This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2016 Volume 1 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Track by Track Review

Tread on Me The riff that opens this is meaty, and very metal. The verses on the song, though, are more pop oriented hard rock. That riff shows up later in the piece, too. This is kind of a cross between nu-metal, epic metal and alternative rock. It’s a rather catchy cut with some meaty bits.

Revival More of a power ballad, this is a classic example of modern pop metal. It’s a catchy cut with some crunchy guitar. It achieves a good balance between mellower and harder rocking music, too.

These Lies In some ways this isn’t a huge difference. That said, this lands more toward epic metal. It’s also one of my favorite cuts here. There are some great crunch riffs, and the soaring melodic movements are stellar, too. I love this song, really.

Left Behind Alternative rock, nu-metal and grunge seem to merge on this. It’s an effective cut, but just not really a standout at all. It’s a bit too generic.

Palaces A contrast between harder rocking, soaring sounds, and mellower balladic ones, this rides the fence between nu-metal and epic metal. It’s one of the better pieces here, really. It’s quite effective and powerful.

No Crying Allowed A pretty straightforward rocker, this is very much an alternative rock meets nu-metal cut. It’s one of the stronger pieces here, if a bit unoriginal.

N.H.B. I love the riff that starts this and the heavier one that grows out of it. I see this as kind of a nu-metal take on the kind of music Godsmack does. It’s angry and powerful. It’s one of the highlights of the set.

All the Same Although there are still alternative rock and pop metal edges here, this is a meatier cut than a lot of the rest. In fact, this is arguably the closest to “real steel.” It’s also another standout.

Make My Day This is another of the meatier cuts here. It’s also another winner. It stomps out, but still manages to be rather catchy.

Reach for Me With piano and strings serving as the musical arrangement, this is a powerful ballad. It’s definitely not metal, though. While it’s pretty and effective, I think it might have served the album better at an earlier point to bring some variety to the flow of the set.

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