Ok, I'm officially scared in this turmoil of hatred. Only joking, or am I? Read on.
Radio Candy from The Symphony of Screams is a perfectly balanced album for rock/metal fans, with enough public appeal for some commercial hits.
The album kicks off with the song Radio Candy with awesome guitar riffs which ooze gravelly energy and nastiness very reminiscent of classic Metallica. Combined with screams of terror, grungy bass and deep drums, this is a classic.
There is a unique play on the metal genre with quirky sounds such as dogs barking (I think that was on the album), and radio broadcast commentary which gives the album a light hearted feel throughout.
The Auckland band changes tempo more times in one song than other bands do in an entire album, which keeps you on your toes. Some shifts work better than others and it can feels like the band has made a recording error, believe me they haven’ and you get used to this after a few listens. Very clever.
The brilliant variation between slow ballad type songs and fast rock songs gives the album a wave like flow as you go on this metal journey. The album titled final song, “Symphony of Screams” is a wonderful example of the madness.
Classic rock with a twist, but don't let your kids listen, be warned!!
Auckland-based group The Symphony of Screams describe their sound as ‘grungy metal’, and to quote that bible of heavy, Kerrang! magazine, sound like “NZ Napalm who hammer it home all the way.”
The power and energy that TSOS bring to the stage is amply demonstrated by the fact that they were sought out by Capital C Productions to be the main New Zealand support act at Rock to Wellington, where fans of heavy numbering over 25,000 per night were treated to their brand of uncompromising rock assault.
Their debut album Heed to the Voices was originally an NZ-only independent release, which went down so well with fans that it was re-released worldwide in late 2012 by AllGood Absolute Alternative Records, garnering positive reviews pretty much across the board. "As good as it gets" to paraphrase but one.