Elm Street
Knock ‘Em Out… With a Metal Fist
(Massacre Records)
Elm Street are one of the younger bands to emerge out of the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal (one of the more recent metal genres that already includes a handful of respectable bands like Cauldron and Skull Fist). But while Elm Street’s sophomore album is a valid effort, I don’t quite think they’re up to par with their peers just yet. There’s some tight guitar work, but it’s almost as if they’re attempting to be a cheesy throwback act at times with song titles like “Heavy Mental” and “Face the Reaper” (not to mention the overall album title/cover, too). And singer/guitarist Ben Batres’ gruffy vocals often feel a tad forced. Still, tracks like “Will it Take A Lifetime?” and “Sabbath” are worth cranking up. I’m sure if these guys keep it up, eventually they could very well compete with the best of ‘em.
Purchase Knock ‘Em Out… With a Metal Fist here.
