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Virus-Sick of Lies
This month I chose the new album 'Sick of Lies' by Virus. In some ways, this
album reminds me of some of the work that Godsmack has done recently. The band
sounds similar in the guitar work and overall sound and vocally, I really dig
what is going on with this album. The music can be heavy, a bit modern sounding,
but very enjoyable!
www.heavymetalresource.com
Reviewed by Dave Palmer
Virus to me is a bit of a
surprise signing to the Lion Music label. This band plays it heavy but in a more
modern way. If I was to point out their sound, I would definitely point towards
Godsmack in the music and at times Frank Widderson reminds me a bit of a more
modern James Hetfield. This album upon hearing it for the first time has spent
alot of time spinning in my deck. It tends to be catchy, heavy, and fairly
accessible. Looking a little closer at the music, the opener 'Lost' really sets
a tempo that continues through most of the album. The song is kinda chunky with
melodic and memorable choruses. One of my favorite tracks on the album is the
second track 'For My Sun'. This song has a very cool vibe to it. After hearing
it the first time, you will be singing it all day long as I feel it is the most
memorable tune on the album. Some of the other tracks that I feel stand out
include the 'Mother Earth' which is another chunky sounding number, 'Once' which
is one of the melodic numbers on the album, but never loses it's power. 'Payday'
is a bit moody and dark sounding with another excellent vibe. I also like 'Caged'
which once again leans melodic and is really one of the best tunes on the album
without a doubt. 'Fool' has a nice upbeat tempo and would fit well on radio in
my opinion. I also like the closer 'No More Lies'. This tune is well balanced
with guitar and melody and in some ways is similar to 'Cage' in tempo and sound.
I think that overall, the album has a nice flow and really doesn't require much
fast forwarding due to filler.
Overall Definitely one of my highlights so far this year. The band write their
music more aligned with todays modern music although you may sense a bit of
traditional rock in places. If you dig bands like Godsmack or the such, I think
you will probably dig this album although the vocals are a bit different then
Sully's. I really like it and would definitely recommend it if you looking for
something new to listen to. Great stuff.
www.rockindude.homestead.com/reviews277.html
Artist:Virus
Album:Sick of Lies
Year:2005
Format:CD
Label:Lion Music
Genre:[Modern Metal/Grunge/Rock]
Overall Rating:7.5
Music:7.0
Production:8.5
Virus' debut album "Sick of Lies" offers both melodies as well as ferocious
riffs. Although the band has just released their debut album, they aren't by any
means a newcomer to the field of modern metal... Virus was already formed in
2000, and since then the members have played in various bands. Drawing
influences from grunge, modern metal and rock, Virus has developed a style
similar to that of Godsmack's. The songs on this album vary from hard-hitting
metal tunes to more ballad-like rock sentimentality. Music coupled with
emotional vocals is always a pleasure to listen to, and thus Virus is above an
average band. However, not all of the songs on this album are as fortuitous as
the band has potential for. Nonetheless, "Sick of Lies" proves that Virus is
undoubtedly a band with potential. Rolf Munkes (Empire, Majesty, Razorback)
handled the production on this album. The sounds are assertive and to the point,
so there's not much to complain. Also the mastering has been done skilfully
without squashing the mix. All in all, "Sick of Lies" is rather well-produced
album. In its entirety, Virus' debut offering is averagely good... there's still
room for improvement, but as a debut album "Sick of Lies" definitely makes a
strong impact to the audience. Maybe a slightly more original approach would
help the band to distinguish themselves from the better known acts.
Reviewed by: MAGE (May 25th, 2005)
www.rockreviews.info
Album: Sick of Lies
Release: 2005
Genre: Hard Rock
Reviewer: Brian Rademacher
Rating: 4,5 stars of 5 stars
In 2000, VIRUS was formed and the band continues on today even though they all
play in various other bands. They united to debut their new release in 2005,
called “Sick of Lies” with the help of producer Rolf Munkes (EMPIRE). The band
has the presence of PEARL JAM with a bit of a harder edge. The vocal style is
more along the lines of Layne Staley (ALICE IN CHAINS) or Brad Arnold (3 DOORS
DOWN). Virus can bring fans in from many different genres of music. The band has
a truly unique style and if Lion Music gives this band enough push, they can
make an impact. “Lost” showcases the band's melodic style and true expertise in
lyric writing. “For My Sun” is a hard rocker that if played on a USA radio
station, would be in regular rotation. It is hard-edged with a catchy melody and
outstanding vocals. “Once” sounds like it could have been lifted off of a 3
doors down CD. This is an excellent song. “Payday” is another one of those songs
that will catch you by surprise. It is hardcore and would appeal to the
stage-diving crowd. I can just see the fans in the front of the stage - heads
slamming up and down. “Caged´” is the highlight song on “Sick of Lies”. It’s a
ballad reminiscent of the 3 DOORS DOWN hit “When I'm Gone.” If you’re looking
for ripping guitar work, you won't find it on the new Virus CD. What you will
get from VIRUS is thirteen total kick-ass songs that won't let you down. Not a
bad track on the whole CD!
www.rockeyez.com/cd-reviews.html
www.rockeyez.com
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Virus - Sick Of Lies (6,5/10)
- Germany - 2005 |
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Genre: Alternative Metal
Label: Lion
Music
Playing time: 45:14
Band homepage:
Virus
Tracklist:
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For My Skin
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Homeless
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Payday
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360
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Caged
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Bleedin'
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Fool
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Free
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No More Lies
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Who
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This five piece is new to the
scene and they bring on board something a bit different. The
music not something that all Metal heads are going to get into,
but some may. "Lost" has a C.O.C. feel combined with heavy and
slower guitar riffs and vocals that are akin to Pepper Keenan.
Call it original or call it a copy cat, but I guarantee you that
not many bands are going to taking this route.
"For My Skin" adds more riffage
and rhythm and is packed with energy. The gritty throat action
of Frank Widderson doesn't let up as "Mother Earth" adds a dirty
sound along with staccato strumming. It's loud and heavy and if
you turn this one up to five even on your volume dial, the
speakers will be blown for sure. Just to mix things up a bit,
the band offers a heavy ballad of sorts in the form of "Once."
This track isn't wimpy and the guys as you can tell wouldn't let
it go down the saccharine sweet route. This one has heart and
emotion and you will be able to feel it.
The CD is pretty much a
combination of Hard Rock, Metal, Alternative Grunge (yes, you
heard right!) and even a touch of the heavy Stoner Rock vibe.
VIRUS isn't following any blue prints here and they don't care
which is fine, but not everyone is going to get this band. The
crazy thing about VIRUS is that they're German and most krauts
play Power Metal. Not in this case. The only thing even crazier
is that Lion Music put this out and the label is more known for
Progressive and Power Metal along with some instrumentals as
well. I think this is a ballsy move on the part of owner Lars
Eric Mattsson. I give everyone major points for going against
the grain. You have been warned! (Online December 6, 2005)
www.metal-observer.com
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