Customer Reviews

New Metal Leader

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

One thing you can never accuse guitarist Ross the Boss of is a lack of versatility. His previous work has been all over the map, from the Dictators' punk/metal sound to the classic true metal of Manowar and even the straightforward AOR project Heyday. The guy must have been itching for a return to the classic metal sound, because for his newest venture - conveniently titled Ross the Boss - he hooked up with ¾ of German Manowar cover band Men of War to record the unquestionably metal New Metal Leader.

New Metal Leader is one of those albums where the cover artwork tells you everything you need to know about the album. One look at that giant war eagle clutching a battle hammer and screaming (for vengeance, presumably) and I knew a true metal feast awaits within. Ross the Boss and his new crew attack these Judas Priest inspired songs with zeal, blazing away with the fierce "Blood of Knives" the second the obligatory instrumental introduction ends. From there until the closing "Immortal Son", it's all metal, all the time, bringing to mind Running Wild, Sinner, Saxon, and of course Manowar. Highlights include "Plague of Lies", "We Will Kill", and the ultra melodic call to arms "May the Gods Be With You". The songs are fairly predictable, and the lyrics are fairly cheesy, but that's more or less what makes this kind of retro metal album so reassuring and enjoyable. Ross the Boss's guitar work is the main attraction of New Metal Leader, and his guitar heroics go a long way towards offsetting a competent but less than stellar vocal performance by Patrick Fuchs.

I get the impression that New Metal Leader is an album intended for older metal fans who are frustrated about the hyper-compartmentalization in metal. Fans that couldn't care less about progressive metal, gothic metal, symphonic black metal or whatever the latest genre is, and just want a good solid heavy metal album. If you fall in that category, then by all means pick up a copy of New Metal Leader. If you're a Manowar fan disappointed by that band's post-Ross the Boss offerings, New Metal Leader will give you plenty of reasons to raise your fists for metal.

This was a pleasant surprise. This album is metal to the bone, but a lot less cliched than some Manowar material and, in many cases, also a let less annoying.

Sure, there's no groundbreaking guitar solos, stunning vocals or magical arrangements here, but thing work as a well oiled machine; after all, experience in composing and recording metal is somethin Ross has in spades!

A good job, maybe the first of many. Keep on!

Killer guitar work as we've come to expect from RTB, whether it's with the Dictators, on old Manowar records, or with the Brain Surgeons. Lots of the songs are reminiscent of Manowar, and why not? RTB pioneered that style as the guitarist and co-songwriter on the first six Manowar albums. The guitar playing and the production are the most satisfying elements of this CD; the songwriting (especially the lyrics) and vocals are the least satisfying. Interestingly, several members and ex-members of Manowar are thanked in the credits, but the names Joey DeMaio and Eric Adams are nowhere to be seen. Bottom Line: Ross the Boss still tears it up like nobody else when he straps on a guitar. This CD is the proof.

Ross the Boss got together with a German Manowar cover band for a one-off gig at a festival in 2005 and had such a great time playing those old songs again that his passion for metal was refueled. Armed with three capable musicians who loved the first six Ross-era Manowar records, they set about being a real metal band and wrote some new original music. This album delivers the kind of songs of quality and substance you've expected from Manowar for the last decade or so but didn't get. If you are a Manowar fan there's no way you won't love this record!

Since the departure of Ross the Boss, MANOWAR has not been the same. They became too technical, lacked lyrical skills they once had, and IMHO lost the emotion of the music. This album proves where it went.

Unfortunately the album misses the mark with a poor vocalist, otherwise it would have been 5 stars and I would be sh++ing my pants for how great it is. He just doesn't have the bottom of your gut level this album needs (although his work on IMMORTAL SON track 11 is "ok"). A bit too much screaming and he's no Eric Adams, then again no one is. Hopefully this guy will be replaced for any future efforts and tours.

The music and songs make up for it though. Very reminiscent of DICTATORS at times. MANOWAR fans missing the sound of the "glory days" will be VERY pleased.

MANOWAR was my favorite band when I picked up BATTLE HYMNS in 1982, NOTHING they have done since KINGS OF METAL has even come close although it was nice to see Demaio put his ego aside for a day on the ABSOLUTE POWER DVD. It is even more insulting that they have resorted to re-recording their first album with all members EXCEPT Ross.

Joey doesn't take criticism very well but here it goes...you can say "FTW" as much as you like and spend all the money to have loud equipment but it does you no good when you have all technique and no heart (if I want technique AND good music I'll listen to Dragon Force). Ross's album proves who had the heart. Let's hope Ross teams up with Scott Columbus on the next one and finds a better vocalist because that is all this album needed to claim the throne of the NEW METAL LEADER. Welcome back Ross, true metal fans needed this!!!

This is the album that Manowar SHOULD have made. I don't care so much for the Constatine song, but the rest are awesome! From the song We Will Kill "Those who keep it true, listen up and receive it, we could play anything, but people just wouldn't believe it!" I've even referred to this as "Fighting the World II!". I can't wait to hear what they do next! Too bad the US release of this is so delayed. I love it but there's no darn way I'm paying $25 for an import version. After listening to clips on the RTB site I decided I'd download it now and the buy the CD later.

The legendary guitar player best known as one of the founding members of both the revolutionary bands The Dictators and Manowar got together with a German Metal band and made the kind of record Manowar fans want to hear!!

Ross The Boss plays guitar with passion, might, and an unmistakably vibrant overdriven tone.

This record has some excellent songwriting and music.

However, regardless of your OPINION of the singer, if you ignore the singing and listen directly to the MUSIC, this isn't really 'metal.' This singer's style obviously steers the album toward a 'metal' genre, but, a singer of a different style (clean, soulful) could have made this just a great, great rock and roll record. Think Glenn Hughes, for example. Or Phil Mogg.

If you can hear the shades of Blue Oyster Cult, Spinatras, Thunderbolts and even Shakin' Street in the music on this record, you will understand what I mean.