Spring Break
Explosive debut from Black Tide
Evan Connet
Issue date: 4/4/08 Section: Diversions
Not many teenage bands can say they have shared the stage with acts such as Ozzy Osbourne, Lamb of God and Static-X before any of the members were old enough to drink. Enter Black Tide.
Hailing from Miami, Fla., Black Tide is a band that defies all expectations of a group so young. The group of four - led by 15-year-old Gabriel Garcia on lead guitar and vocals, and completed by guitarist Alex Nunez (18), bassist Zakk Sandler (19) and drummer Steven Spence (19) - has released "Light From Above," their debut album on Interscope Records.
The 11-track album is filled with a sound hearkening back to 1980s Metallica and Megadeth, punctuated by intricate acoustic work in songs "Warriors of Time" and "Black Abyss." The album as a whole displays speed and thrash metal style with snarling guitar hooks and blazing solos, pounding bass and vocals that carry more force than a 15-year-old should be able to muster.
The album is held back by its somewhat repetitious nature, especially toward the end when the thrash riffs and solos start to overstay their welcome. And the vocals, while fantastic given Garcia's age, lack range and definition.
Overall it is a very strong debut for the band and it can be enjoyed by any fan of thrash, speed or 80s heavy metal.
Evan Connet
diversions@dailybarometer.com
Hailing from Miami, Fla., Black Tide is a band that defies all expectations of a group so young. The group of four - led by 15-year-old Gabriel Garcia on lead guitar and vocals, and completed by guitarist Alex Nunez (18), bassist Zakk Sandler (19) and drummer Steven Spence (19) - has released "Light From Above," their debut album on Interscope Records.
The 11-track album is filled with a sound hearkening back to 1980s Metallica and Megadeth, punctuated by intricate acoustic work in songs "Warriors of Time" and "Black Abyss." The album as a whole displays speed and thrash metal style with snarling guitar hooks and blazing solos, pounding bass and vocals that carry more force than a 15-year-old should be able to muster.
The album is held back by its somewhat repetitious nature, especially toward the end when the thrash riffs and solos start to overstay their welcome. And the vocals, while fantastic given Garcia's age, lack range and definition.
Overall it is a very strong debut for the band and it can be enjoyed by any fan of thrash, speed or 80s heavy metal.
Evan Connet
diversions@dailybarometer.com
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