Griffin - The Sideshow
Season Of Mist
Heavy Metal From The 80's
12 songs (45'00)
Release year: 2002
Season Of Mist
Reviewed by Danny

Griffin started out in late 1998 just as a project. The members of this band are already involved with other bands (Atrox, Bloodthorn, Darkages), but Griffin - created at the beginning just for fun - is now an authentic band, playing traditional heavy metal. After a promising demo (Conquers The World), this band got a deal with the French Label, Season Of Mist.

The singer (Tommy Sebastian) must be a fan of Lemmy Kilmister ... as his way of singing reminds me very much Motorhead's singer. Musically, Griffin sounds like these heavy metal dinosaurs of the 80's and I am sure these guys have grown up listening to Iron Maiden, Helloween, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest or Motorhead.

The opener, Shadows Of Deception, is an excellent heavy metal song, with this typical Iron Maiden touch. Death Row League (6th track) is much darker ... a kind of Black Sabbath ambiance. What If (7th track) will remind you Iron Maiden again, as the twin guitars are fast, furious and melodic. The singer on What If is impressive, reminding me this time another vocalist : Peavy Wagner of Rage. Vengeance Is Mine (8th track) is also built on an Iron Maiden/Helloween tempo (very melodic, twin leads). Last track, Cosmic Revelation, is more progressive and less heavy compare to the overall, but it is also a good song. The production is ok ... but nothing special as this album sounds very similar to the above-mentioned bands.

Even though this Sideshow brings nothing new to the heavy metal scene, this album is authentic, honest and has been recorded by musicians who love the 80's. I can't blame these guys as I grew up listening to this kind of stuff. However, one thing I can blame here is the lack of originality and the lack of personal ideas : the songs are good, but there is nothing new here we haven't already listen to.

In other words, if you are an unconditional fan of the 80's, you should really check this one as these talented musicians have recorded The Sideshow with their heart ... their 80's metal heart. Now if the lack of originality is corrected on their next album, Griffin has the potential to leave the underground. Good luck guys !

Killing Songs :
Shadows Of Deception
Danny quoted 70 / 100
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