Charred Walls of the Damned: Album Review

Creatures Watching Over the Dead, the third album by Charred Walls of the Damned, is a very melodic, varied, progressive, and heavy thirty-three minute sonic journey. The band changes times and moods throughout each song, giving the album a well-rounded feel and preventing their sound from being encompassed into a specific formula. “The Soulless”, for instance, kicks right off with the album’s brief moment of blast beats, while “Afterlife” has a cleaner intro and
gets heavier in the first verse.

The band’s continuous hooks make the album memorable, but can also be an occasional weakness. The melodies get too polished and happy during a few moments, particularly on “Lies” or “Living in the Shadow of Yesterday”. Nevertheless, it is all part
of the process of a varied album, and the band’s talent can make even those weaker moments interesting.

Throughout each song, the skilled metal veterans that make up this band preserve and make full use of their musical chops and recognizable style. Vocalist Tim “Ripper” Owens helps expand and complete the album’s emotions through a broad use of his vocals.

“Afterlife” has his most extensive blend of different vocal styles, including a few bestial growls. However,

“Reach Into the Light” is another bright moment for the frontman due to the Rob Halford/Cam Pipesesque
high screams in the verse. Bassist Steve DiGiorgio’s finest moments are the bridge of “As I Catch My Breath”, the verse of “Tear Me Down”, and the intro to “Time Has Passed”.

Richard Christy’s drumming is even more accomplished than one would expect, refusing to let his talents go unnoticed for longer than a several short seconds (and even that is rare). His drums sound quite heavy, too. Guitarist Jason Suecof—while not as recognizable as the other musicians—has a background in a variety of different metal bands, which certainly helps contribute to the band’s skill, fresh song-writing, and various emotions. His lead work is so
fascinating during every solo that it is tough to pick a favorite piece, but the lead in closing track

“Time Has Passed” should be noted for the sheer melody. Those who are looking for something
somewhat similar to Ripper’s work in Iced Earth but still distinctive enough will be pleased with
Creatures.

Above all, it is recommended to any metal fan with an appreciation for any previous
work from these musicians just for their sharp musical brilliance.



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Tags:  Charred Walls of the Damned, Creatures Watching Over the Dead   

Nicholas Statuto    October 18, 2016