PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
I have put this off for as long as I possibly could. I am a huge Chris Jericho fan; he is one of my favourite wrestlers and I think that Fozzy have done an impressive amount of work as a band. There is nobody that I would like to talk metal with than Chris Jericho. That said, Fozzy’s new album ‘Do You Wanna Start A War‘ is very trying.
I have tried to like Fozzy’s sixth album, but the best thing about it is an Abba cover of “SOS”. Metal and Abba were made for each other like hands and gloves. However, any band can do a decent Abba cover if they try a little.
There is not a lot of praise that I can give to “Do You Wanna Start A War”. The actual record is so unlike Fozzy that is is a little off-putting. It is such a departure that I can’t tell you one full song that sticks out as good. The single “Do You Wanna Start A War” is a compressed mess of radio slurry. It is not catchy nor is it fun. Everything is off; Jericho’s voice, the guitar and the backing vocals are all terrible.
The one song that comes close is “Tonight”. The opening guitar and bass are neat then the vocals come in and kill the song. There are no deep lyrics, no real melody nor anything beyond this being a “party song”. It even has a forced sing along bridge. Bowling for Soup wrote this song a lot better a few years ago.
The overall tone, feel and opening guitar riff in songs like “No Good Way” and “Brides of Fire” are a welcome relief for long-time fans of the group. But it goes too big with its chorus and it’s time to change song.
“Witchery” sounds very like metalcore for some reason. However, this too flops, because without decent guttural vocals, it comes off as a band that doesn’t know what they are. “Lights Go Out” is a groove based song with nothing but an okay riff and clapping in the background. I have no idea why they thought this was a good idea.
Fozzy’s nailed their sound a few years ago with “Chasing The Grail” in 2010. This was an awesome metal record with catchy songs, and a Jericho that knew where he wanted to take the band. Fozzy are a throwback to hair metal with a sharper edge. This is the sound that works and they do it well. On this album, they moved too far away from their roots and it’s just a bizarre collection of songs.
People hate on Jericho’s vocals; I think that is unwarranted mostly. His performances on the other Fozzy albums have been very consistent but on this one it is trying! I hate to admit it but his vocals on this album are the pits. It’s like someone pretending to be a metal vocalist. When he actually is one. I know, I’ve heard him do it!
To be positive, “DYWSAW” could become the “Risk” of Fozzy. They tried so much and it may improve over time. But for now, Even if you’re a fan, this isn’t worth your time. You will be disappointed. Jericho is a fantastic wrestling, a metal history genius and a good vocalist. Fozzy are a good band; they were just horribly misguided on this venture. Lads, it’s time to go back to the well!
“Do You Wanna Start A War” was released on July 22nd via Century Media.
Tracks:
01. Do You Wanna Start A War
02. Bad Tattoo
03. Lights Go Out
04. Died With You
05. Tonite
06. Brides of Fire
07. One Crazed Anarchist
08. Unstoppable
09. Scarecrow
10. No Good Way
11. SOS
12. Witchery
Fozzy are:
Chris Jericho – Vocals
Rich Ward – Guitar and Vocals
Frank Fontsere – Drums
Billy Grey – Guitar
Paul Di Leo – Bass
Links:
- £9.85
