Black Tide

Black Tide are exactly what heavy metal needs right now. The fiery Florida foursome play no-holds barred, gutter rock with attitude, style and virtuosity. This is the kind of record you can blast while driving or blare at a kegger. Not only do Black Tide rekindle hard rock's edge, but they also sharpen and refine it for MySpace Nation. Kicking off their Interscope debut Light from Above with "Shockwave," the band immediately makes a statement. With its thrashy riffs and big sing-a-long chorus, Black Tide establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Once the solo kicks in, all bets are off. Yes, they shred with the best of them, but Black Tide write some catchy little anthems as well. For evidence, crank "Live Fast, Die Young" and "Show Me the Way."

Guitarist Alex Nunez's fleet-fingered fret fireworks take over during "Warriors of Time," which segues from a classical guitar intro into all-out metallic warfare. Vocalist Gabriel Garcia sounds like a young James Hetfield capitalizing on a rasp that shreds and commands. In addition, he also shreds like there's no tomorrow, especially on the band's phenomenal cover of Metallica classic "Hit the Lights." Black Tide are a much-needed kick in the ass and return to form for hard rock. Don't deny it. Hop on this tide now, because it's going to wash everyone else away.

—Rick Florino
03.11.08