Outworld - Outworld

I know it’s been a while since Outworld’s self-titled debut, but having listened to it a lot recently and baring in mind that a band of this calibre with such high critical praise are without a record deal, I thought that a review won’t do any harm.

Outworld’s guitarist Rusty Cooley is probably more famous than his band, but that could all even out once the music industry wakes up. Outworld are progressive metal personified and some. Their astounding musicianship across the board, takes no prisoners with a barrage of intense and clinical metal, that’s melodic at times but never too far from obliterate mode.

There are always obvious comparisons between bands and technicians of a certain genre and Outworld can easily be compared to Symphony X, Yngwie Malmsteen and Dream Theater for starters – but what’s wrong with that!

Rusty Cooley’s playing is always impressive, if a little over-intense at times – to my ears I hear the insanity of Vinnie Vincent mixed with the style and technique of Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Romeo and Jason Becker.

‘Riders’ features an array of Becker arpeggios and tremolo work, all mixed into the Outworld juggernaut with ease. ‘War Cry’ has madly intense vocals that will not be to everyone’s taste. The now departed Kelly Carpenter sounds like Rob Halford meets a hybrid of Malmsteen’s singers (excluding Joe Lynn Turner). Fantastic riffs and solos abound however. ‘The Never’ is very Malmsteenesque, while ‘City Of The Dead’ continues on the same theme mixed with some Dream Theater but to fantastic effect. The outro is very dark. ‘Grey Tide’ is the stand out track – at 9:15 it still ends too soon – the second half of the song perfectly showcases Outworld’s talents, musical vision and awesome riffage. ‘I, Thanatos’ continues on the warpath with some hints of Rush to calm the nerves momentarily.

Overview!

Outworld the album, is an ambitious statement and their new material featuring the slightly grittier Carlos Zema on vocals, is even stronger with a greater sense of their own identity. And make no doubt - Outworld the band, are a very serious progressive metal band and ready to take on the world.

Conclusion

When John Petrucci and Mark Tremonti hail your talent, you know that you’re on to something big!

Check Out the new Outworld demos at: www.myspace.com/outworld