Reviewed by HeavyMetal.com
If you are one of those folks who has been extremely disappointed with the recent output from Queensryche and Savatage, allow me to give you a tip on a release that is supposed to see the light of day in March 2004; "Bleed For You" by Titanium Black (Originally the band was known as LeRoi and are from Upstate New York.) is an introspective HEAVY METAL CD that sweats and bleeds many human emotions throughout. While most bio sheets talk about the artists creating a heartfelt, honest release, Titanium Black certainly delivers and rises above these often cliched terms.
Lead vocalist Terry Michael LeRoi teamed up with producer extraordinaire Michael Wagener to create "Bleed For You" who recorded the entire album in 5 - 1 surround sound. Guest musicians include Paul Taylor (Winger) on keyboards. The most intriguing quality of "Bleed For You" is the originality that is readily apparent throughout. The comparisons I will mention are more so to give you a clue as to what Titanium Black sounds like rather than lifting songs and structures. Lead track "Cracks Of Light" recalls Leatherwolf and mid-period Queensryche as it slowly builds into a heavy track before subsiding once again at the end. "Words" has a certain Savatage plod to that harkens back to "Edge Of Thorns". The third track "Quite A Machine" is a little on the progressive side with a slight Dream Theater meets Savatage feel. LeRoi's vocals compare favorably with Zak Stevens (Savatage, Circle II Circle) and Mike Majtevic (Steelheart). This vocal blend is especially noticeable on the ballad "Perfect Love" and the moody swagger of "Celebration Of Suffering" (which may remind you of "Sheila" by Steelheart until it rocks out heavier at the end). "Miles Away" has a heavier, almost operatic vocal delivery provided by LeRoi. The intro of "Turn To Pieces" has a Cult edge to it before developing into an more of a Fates Warning type of song minus the overly progressive overtones.
My favorite track on the disc would be "Handful Of Lies" which features some killer guitar riffs courtesy of guitarist John Matthews and a snarling vocal attitude. Drumer Rob Spagnoletti supplies a rock-solid, heavy back end that is lacking on so many newer releases. Closing track "Deep" is a very soothing and mellow ballad that relies on some non-traditional hard rock instrumentation, most noticeably a flute passage.
With the proper push from a major American label, Titanium Black possesses more than enough musical chops, songwriting ability, and an overall killer album that could drive the nails deep into the coffin of the mush mouth bands that are passed off as hard rock and metal in the USA. The combination of LeRoi's incredible songwriting talent with Wagener's production and amazing recording wizardry is most impressive. Considering this advance sounded this good on a CDr bodes well for the proper release.
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