TITANIC - MAIDEN VOYAGE and SCREAMING IN SILENCE w/Robert Sweet on drums

With a powerful energetic drum assault from Strypers Robert Sweet these reissues of Bill Menchen's Titanic are even more powerful than when they were first released. Both Maiden Voyage and Screaming in Silence were solid heavy metal albums before. Now with the drumming of Robert Sweet they are spectacular! This is mid paced heavy metal that leather jackets and denim jeans were made for.

Both ‘Screaming…’ and ‘Maiden…’ were originally released using a drum machine (if that is incorrect someone please correct me.) Needless to say the sound wasn't as big as it could've been. It showcased Menchens guitar prowess and Sam Tyler’s vocal styles. Screaming in Silence and Maiden Voyage highlighted powerful hook laden heavy metal songs. Now with this new dynamic of real drums by Sweet, he added the missing piece, power, feel, drive and downright rock n roll attitude.

When you listen to the improved ‘Fight Back,’ ‘I am Watching You,’ ‘Oceans of Blood,’ or ‘Gods of War’ from Maiden Voyage there is so much more feel that it enhances Bills guitar riffs. It is simply astounding. The added bass drums and fills just increase the power that was already there in the songs to begin with. The hair starts swirling and the neck joins in with glorious praise.

The songs from Screaming in Silence also receive a tremendous boost from real drumming. Robert’s dynamics on ‘Hypnotic’ enhance a very groove influenced metal song and just add that missing piece. ‘As I Am,’ ‘See through My Eyes’ are some just obvious examples of the intensity taken up to the next notch. Bill & Sam’s passion are obviously there but with a drummer of Robert’s caliber behind the kit he adds the spark to a smoldering metal flame that ignites in a blaze of glory.

The hooks are stronger and more infectious than before. The songs here just sound vastly improved. Heavier than say Priest's Point of Entry but perhaps not quite British Steel. Hook filled like Saxon's Denim and Leather but with the guts of Armored Saints Raising Fear. Not ground breaking but first rate. Any takers?

I would almost view those first two original releases as warm up demos for the real thing. The introduced you to the songs and band, but were'nt the finished product. So if you don't already own the original releases do yourself a favor this spring, and if you do you will definately want the upgrade.

These releases are the real thing and if you’re a fan of traditional metal ala Armored Saint, Judas Priest, Dio and Accept don’t hesitate and add these discs to your collection.

Bang yer head and yell!

7 axes

TITANIC - FULL STEAM AHEAD

My first exposure to Titanic is their aptly titled ‘Full Steam Ahead’. This album charges like a juggernaut and like the Marvel Comics character once the momentum starts get outta the way!! Many of you are probably aware of guitar player Bill Menchen’s involvement. For the uninitiated Bill’s also been apart of the bands Final Axe, Rev Seven, Seventh Power, Menchen and finally Titanic.

Straight ahead heavy metal with a melodic edge is probably the best way to describe the Titanic sound. Fantastic hooks and melodies abound on this album. Don’t think however for a minute those elements ‘soften’ the sound. Far from it, it just makes you want to hear it again. Musically, perhaps in the same vein as a Rob Rock, Saint or perhaps Armored Saint. Headbanging metal that gets the fist pumping and the hair swaying.

Bill creates a great array of riffs and guitar melodies, but it must be pointed out that vocalist David St.Andrew just smokes on this album. His vocals have that gravely Rod Stewart/Paul Rogers perhaps even a Kevin Dubrow feel. You’ll have to visit Bill’s website if you would like to know how they hooked up. Drummer David White provides a groovin’ back bone to this metal attack.

From opener ‘Shovel the Coal’ (an ode to keep on in the faith and not give up) all the way to closer ‘The Sea’ this release is infectious. “Dead Man’s Bone’s” shreds, ‘Holy Ground’ shakes, and ‘Captain of the Ship’ are ominous. Superb heavy metal songs which you just don’t hear much of these days. Death metal this isn’t but does every song have to 200 miles an hour to be good? Absolutely not. This is an album that could be played for any fan of traditional metal. The production is above par with a pounding drum sound and heavy guitars.

Lyrically very Christian, but not clichéd. I applaud that. There is no mistaking what Titanic professes to believe. Just listen and read the enclosed lyrics. Some metaphor but mostly explicit well written songs about faith, life, Jesus and what it means to follow him without being preachy. Often the preachy stuff just turns folks off because they listen to music for entertainment and escapism.

Along with other Retroactive artists such as Main Line Riders or Grave Robber, the lyrics are definitely Christian just not necessarily ‘Jesus Saves’ every single song. Sorta like in scripture, if you were to take a single book of the Bible on it’s own you may have no clue what’s going on. Take Esther for instance or Lamentations or Song of Solomon. All significant in there own right but in the context of everything else it makes more sense.

Titanic ‘Full Steam Ahead’ is worthy addition to any collection of Heavy Metal. This release did come out in 2007 but I only received it recently and it’s become almost permanently jammed in my CD player. I can only hope I can get it out to review something else! SHOVEL THE COAL!!!

9 AXES