We tend to take a liking to a band’s sophomore album release as opposed to a group’s debut. Why do we prefer this route? Well, a band’s second album says a lot about a group. It shows how a band takes into account their debut album critiques from listeners and professionals and how the members use this information in creating their next album. A successful second album contains the musical roots of the band’s debut, but also further extends their creativity through risky endeavors. There is a similar sound between the two, but a sense of maturity can be heard on the latter one.
Do you understand our partialness yet? Well, if not we’ll clarify it a bit more with an example. Black Tide is a heavy metal band from Florida. The quartet, consisting of lead vocalist and guitarist, Gabriel Garcia, bassist, Zakk Sandler, drummer Steven Spence and guitarist, Austin Diaz, released their debut album, “Light From Above”, on March 18th, 2008 via Interscope Records. The 12 track album showcased the band’s ability to capture all realms of the heavy metal genre, which include standout instrumental rifts and commanding vocals.
We were satisfied with Black Tides heavy metal sound three years ago, but with the release of their most recent tune, “Bury Me,” we now see this group was holding back. “Bury Me,” which is currently streaming on the band’s MySpace page makes the tunes of “Light From Above” seem like soft rock music. The instrumental sounds of the track speed up the tempo, but the standout rifts still remain. The vocals remain commanding, but they are much more forceful than on their debut due to the group’s wide vocal range. “Bury Me” justifies our opening statement, where a band’s sophomore album pushes the envelope further than the debut album ever could. Black Tide is no longer abiding by the sounds of a genre. Now, they are creating their own innovative sound with that musical category in the back of their minds.
“Bury Me,” is off their upcoming album, “Post Mortem”, which will be released August 23rd via DGC/Interscope Records. In support of their forthcoming release, Black Tide will join the Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival, starting August 26th through October 15th. Black Tide will tour alongside Avenged Sevenfold, Three Days Grace, Seether, Bullet For My Valentine, and more. Check out the Festival’s official website for tour information!
With just a taste from their sophomore album, “Post Mortem”, we can say Black Tide has officially come into their own and there is no better to celebrate than seeing their authenticity live on the Uproar stage.
by Lonnie Nemiroff
