Primal Rock Rebellion
Awoken Broken
2012
Musicians are often defined in boxes. Many will find a comfortable formula and stick to it. This applies to even the most talented of musicians. But every once in a while some musician decide to re-define the boundaries and this is the case for super group Primal Rock Rebellion. Primal Rock Rebellion is the brain child of ex-SikTh frontman Mikee Goodman and Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith. When different musicians come together like this the results can be unpredictable. Smith is known for his writing ability and has become a main writing contributor for Maiden. Smith is also known for his keen ear for tone and an ability to write some of the catchiest heavy metal songs in the Maiden catalogue. Goodman’s known for his meaningful lyrics delivered in his unorthodox mix of spoken word and ‘scat’ vocals and his renowned in your face delivery make him an iconic frontman. SikTh have been herald as the band that started the djent movement in metal music. Despite disbanding in 2008 SikTh remain a powerful influence and created two albums worth of truly unique music. With the inclusion of ex-SikTh and now session drummer Dan ‘Loord’ Foord and with Smith also dealing with the bass duties, all of these factors made for one very excited fan!
1. No Friendly Neighbour
This song showcases Goodmans urban lyrics and a darker style of riff writing from Smith. Smith brings a more recognised song structure with catchy chorus’ to make one of the best songs on the album. This is the perfect middle ground of both Maiden and SikTh.
2. No Place Like Home
This song was chosen as the lead single for the album with an extremely catchy chorus. This song also contains an excellent solo. You can really tell that a great deal of time was put into finding the right tone. The album really shapes up at this point.
3. I See Lights
The band released this song as a download for fans when they announced the collaboration. Smith joins in on vocal duties and shows that he is a more than capable vocalist. His style is a more raspy and blues vocal and fits well with Goodmans vocals. A slow paced but heavy song, this song really delivers the goods.
4. Bright As A Fire
This is the longest song on the album. The song consists of a slow build up with a relatively calm chorus throughout that builds into a fast paced bridge and final breakdown. Smith also brings some smart solo sections and a different style of solo from Smith. Smith usually plays the more melodic solos in Maiden but he definitely showcases a faster more shred style solo in one section.
5. Savage World
There is a lighter tone to the song but the dark lyrics remain. The verse contains some crazy guitar work, something very different from what you would expect from Smith.
6. Tortured Tone
A viola intro gently leads into this slow paced and heartfelt song. Mikee’s vocals are excellent. This song is completely different from the rest of the album but sits well with the other songs.
7. White Sheet Robes
A heavy ominous build up leads into a catchy chorus. The solo section is a highlight despite it being brief. That’s what I like about this album, nothing is forced, it all fits together and it feels right!
8. As Tears Come Falling from the Sky
A brief spoken word piece. This will not be to everyone’s taste but for SikTh fans this will be something familiar.
9. Awoken Broken
A fast paced real rock song, with a powerful chugging main riff. Personally I’m not a huge fan of the chorus with the shouts and the strange shrieking noises in the pre-chorus seem slightly out of place. I really like the music for this song and the vocal sections do grow on the listener after a few listens.
10. Search For Bliss
A more gentle song where Goodman shows off his more melodic side and Smiths backing vocals work nicely with Goodmans. The guitar work adds some real texture to the song. There is real passion in the song.
11. Snake Ladders
An odd song with a mix of singing and spoken word vocal styles. The song slows down to accommodate the spoken words sections and will not be for everyone. The song changes in over and over and adds some dexterity to the album.
12. Mirror and the Moon
This song is much slower and the tamest song on the album. Smith and Goodman are not going out in a blaze of fire with this track. There is real passion in the solo section and song is heartfelt. Perhaps this song is a disappointing ending to an otherwise excellent album.
Smith and Goodman have shown that they are more than capable of breaking down the boundaries and creating new and exciting music. Neither musicians have remained in their perceived comfort zones and have stretched each other musically. That is what makes this album so special. Fans of both Iron Maiden and SikTh will find something of interest on this album. If you want something a little different with a heavy kick behind it then this album may be for you. Smith’s guitar playing is incredible and he is able to break loose from the strict Maiden regime. His innovative guitar work gives the listener some real highlights and we see a much darker style to his writing. Overall the album is excellent. There are a few points on the album that are a little strange but that is what happens when musicians push boundaries. Although this is only a studio project and both have other priorities I hope that both Smith and Goodman can get together for a second album at some point in the future.
8/10
By RazorRich for mlm