ULTIMATUM - HEART OF METAL: 20 YEARS OF ULTIMATUM

“Neck Snappin’, Fist Pumpin’, Head Banging Heart of METAL!!” is the chorus to one of the greatest anthems to come out of the Metal underground. That song is the title of their 20th anniversary box set and separate compilation CD. Old school power metal masters Ultimatum have again contributed to the history of heavy metal as an art form and as artists with a distinctly Christian world view.

Ultimatum has reached a plateau that few bands have; they have been around for 20 years and still going strong. They’ve never been trapped in that album a year and tour grind that most bands fall into by default, however I’m sure that the guys themselves would love to have had that opportunity!

No, Ultimatum by and large has been a regional band which occasionally ventured outside the confines of the great state of New Mexico. Having played several larger festival shows over the course of their musical career including the Up From the Ashes festivals in Southern California, Extreme Mardi Gras also in Southern California, Cali-Stone and the big one, Cornerstone Festival in Bushnell, Illinois. I was fortunate enough to see them in 2010 at Up From the Ashes 3.

However, even without the benefit of full fledged touring this group of dedicated and persistent musicians have garnered a fan base that is truly world wide. One of the benefits of the musical underground, from tape traders to file swapping. It’s because of the advent of the internet that has allowed this band to develop such a fanatical fan base.

Roxx Records saw the opportunity to do something special and indeed they have. Heart of Metal: Twenty years of Ultimatum is a fabulous collection of all things Ultimatum. This collector's box set came with three CD’s, one DVD, autographed pictures, stickers, guitar pick and patch, whew! Oh if I forgot, it all came in a very cool embossed box to hold it all!

Starting off with the center piece CD, Heart of Metal 20 Years of Ultimatum, this 18 song compendium of high octane metal madness covers the gamut of Ultimatum’s recording career. For many fans the highlight of this disc is the four new tracks, Blood on a Thousand Hills, Scattered (Body Parts), Hook Line & Sinker and Rip ‘n’ Tear. These four tracks are what Ultimatum is all about in a nutshell, screaming old school thrashy/power metal i.e. Metal Church/Exodus/Meliah Rage. (Not the Euro metal that somehow gets labeled power metal).

Blood on a Thousand Hills opens up with a driving riff that locks in and pulls the rhythm section along.(A live version is included on the DVD) Fast and furious through the verses they put the brakes on during the chorus, a pile driver in overdrive. Scattered (body Parts) is more riffy with a slight groove to it, that is until the chorus kicks in with its pure headbanging joy. Founder and lead guitarist Robert Gutierrez shreds throughout this tune, with some nice tasty lead work. Rip N Tear is another barn burner that just plows along with some very crunchy riff work, that time change before the solo smokes. However my favorite of the new songs is the slowest (?), I know I know…. But Hook Line and Sinker is AWESOME!! Mid tempo at best with a stellar groove, this is the type of song you just imagine rows of headbanger's going nuts, remiscient of Accepts Balls to the Wall video. Strong riffage with a brilliant chorus that Scott Waters just belts out, fabulous stuff. The guitar solo section is very Maidenesqe, lots of melody with a nice tempo change.

The other fourteen tracks are taken from throughout the Ultimatum catalog. Many of those tracks were voted upon by the fans themselves through an online poll. Even then several of the tracks were remixed just for this release i.e. Heart of Metal, One for All (taken from 2007’s Into The Pit). A remixed version of Locked In Chains comes from their 2010 album Lex Metallis. The drums seem to have a fuller and more natural sound this time.

Other featured songs are Crash Course, Temple of the Spirit from 2000’s The Mechanics of Perilous Times. Never, Puppet of Destruction and Gutterbox appear from 1998’s Puppet of Destruction. Darkest Void appears from their debut album Symphonic Extremities along with that albums title track. The 2007 version of Blink appears here also in a remixed form along with the 2008 version of Mortal Stomp.

This album isn’t just a greatest hits type collection as it features those special versions of these classic Ultimatum tracks. This is the only disc to be featured outside this box set, so if you were unable to purchase the entire box set you can still get this 18 song gem.

The second disc is entitled Before the Pit: Demo’s and Alternate Versions. Featuring material from 2007’s Into The Pit, this CD is like watching a painting being constructed or looking at the assemblage of film in the cutting room of some Hollywood studio. There are lots of rough mixes, which for an artist is akin to being able to ‘try before you buy.’ However the original four song demo of Into The Pit is included here; One For All, Heart of Metal, Deathwish and Blind Faith. This was used to secure their record deal with Retroactive. These versions to this ear sound more aggressive and a bit heavier than what eventually appeared on …Pit. Well worth checking out.

Several alternate mixes of songs appear here as well; Blink, Into the Pit and Heart of Metal as well. These versions are different than what appeared on the final album. Several rough mixes, where a song is in the middle of the production process but not quite finished are included, Blood Covenant, Blind Faith, and Into the Pit. These tracks are raw and offer very cool insight into how songs are arranged and brought into focus (could you imagine how many versions of Metallica’s song Master of Puppets there must be!?!?). I’ve always been fascinated by this somewhat tedious process of putting an album together, however there is just a certain energy to the studio process which is very different from a live performance. This is disc is for true Ultimaniacs only. Of special note is the remixed radio version of Heart Of Metal. This is the version which appears on Dale Huffman’s radio show Metal Pulse Radio, a cool intro and more delay and reverb for a rich radio sound.

The third disc to be included is a copy of their remastered 1998 album Puppet of Destruction. A review of this album can be found here on the White Throne web site. Puppet of Destruction review

Of special note to me is that the final disc a DVD which clocks in a nearly four hours of material. Two complete concerts are included their appearance at Extreme Mardi Gras in 2002 and their 2010 triumph at the Up From The Ashes Festival in Temecula, Ca. There is also a plethora of interviews, live show clips, back stage material and their now classic video clip for their anthemic track, Heart of Metal.

As a fan I always dig the behind the scenes type material, it just helps me to feel that much more part of what is going on with my favorite artists. The 2007 interview, which is included, is really a great slice of Ultimatum in 20 minutes.

Ultimatum: Heart of Metal – 20 Years of Ultimatum, is a classic box set. If you were fortunate to snag one you’ll treasure it as a cornerstone of the Christian Metal Movement, however if you weren’t then by all means pick up a copy of the single disc Heart of Metal. This is heavy metal made by metal fans who like it hard, grinding and powerful. Crushing guitars with bombastic bass and thunderous drums topped off by a gravely throated vocalist, what more can a metal fan want???

10 axes….

ULTIMATUM - INTO THE PIT

The strong desert winds of New Mexico brought forth another whirlwind of intense metal delight with 2007’s Into the Pit from Ultimatum. For a good part of the decade the band was relatively quiet on the release front but Into The Pit reminded everyone why Ultimatum have carved a solid place in the North American metal landscape. Fans of their previous albums will be glad to hear this next step in the growth of this powerhouse.

Some honest to goodness thrash excellence appears on this album. From the crushing ‘Exonerate,’ to the anthemic ‘Heart of Metal,’ to the ferocious ‘Blink’ (a classic tune redone from their debut album). Into the Pit delivers the goods. Taking a sound akin to Exodus, Metal Church and San Francisco bay area thrash in general Ultimatum bring it hard and heavy.

The guitar work of Robert Gutierrez shines loud and bold here. His crunchy rhythms and solid solo work bring the metal experience home. Rob is the sole guitarist on this release and handles it well. Scott Waters has become over the past decade as one of the most recognizable vocalists in metal. He doesn’t rely on the monotonous cookie monster vocals as so many do these days but his trademark vocal wail is even better than on earlier releases. The drums and bass handled by Alan Tuma and Rob Whitlock respectively lock in with tremendous thunder and bombast, but not without finesse.

Their now trademark anthem ‘Heart of Metal’ is strong and could be sung(screamed) by metal heads everywhere ‘Neck snappin, Fist pumpin, Head Banging, Heart of Metal!’With a heavy verse and catchy chorus that just stay with you, without sacrificing its power (Creeping Death anyone?.)
Ultimatum also brings a superior version of the Maiden classic ‘Wrathchild’ that just rips. Heavier than the original but clearly recognizable, like a tune on steroids, ‘Wrathchild’ again adds to the landscape of metal carnage.

The production is tight and clean. Which is emphasized by crunchy, brutal upfront guitars, pounding drums and punchy bass. With an upfront vocal style that blazes over the wall of bombast.

Some fans may say, “Dude the way you’re talking these guys can do no wrong. You must be a homer!!” Well let me say SCREW THAT! If the material wasn’t up to snuff I’d tell you, but this ain’t the case here. You may not like it but Into the Pit shreds in my book. Proficient musicians and songwriters here, and they have the chops to prove it if necessary. I’ve yet to see them live myself but from what I’ve been told very simply they can deliver the goods on any stage in metal. How ‘bout it Wacken? How ‘bout it Bang Yer Head? How bout it Central Illinois Metal Fest? Brazil???

Why hasn’t Century Media or Metal Blade or Road Runner picked this disc up? Just crazy that no one has done so. Ultimatum is a tremendous outfit that has been around a long time and is one of the best kept secrets in Heavy Metal. Kudos go out to Retroactive Records putting this one out along with their more recent Lex Metalis.

This is a disc for those who like thrash metal and traditional power metal (aka Metal Church, Meliah Rage)… Their stock here continues to go up. I’m anxious to see what lies ahead.

9 axes

ULTIMATUM - SYMPHONIC EXTREMITIES

Every musical artist has to start somewhere. That is they have to define who they are musically. Sometimes it’s immediately known (Iron Maiden for example) and they stick with that style for entire career. For others it may take an album or two (AC/DC worked it out with their 1974 Australian release High Voltage. The next release T.N.T. defined the sound we all know and love. If you don’t believe me listen to the two of them back to back.) To come to a place of comfort. I think that is what we have in the first album by Ultimatum entitled ‘Symphonic Extremities.’ This album was originally released in 1996 and then remastered and re-released in 2007.

This debut album is much more heavy metal as opposed to the blistering power/thrash metal the band is producing now. In many ways ‘Symphonic Extremities’ is a development from their ‘Fatal Delay’ demo. Both albums are more in the traditional heavy metal vibe. Now that doesn’t mean the material stinks or anything like that, but it’s a far cry from ‘Into the Pit’ or ‘The Mechanics of Perilous Times.’ Yes the production is more demo like, as this album is actually a combination of two demos.

There are even some diamonds in this musical rough, ‘Blink,’ ‘World of Sin,’ and the title track. These tracks have stood the test of time and they should, the material is crafted well and just has it. The other songs however are more forgettable than memorable, except perhaps for the tune ‘Darkest Void’ which has a catchy if cheesy chorus line with echoing reverb on the word ‘Void.’

The performances are pretty good as well. Perhaps one of the main differences listeners will notice immediately is that vocalist Scott Waters uses a clean voice most of the time and actually sings the songs instead of his trademark wail. I believe its all part of that ‘finding your musical footing.’

I’m glad Ultimatum did find that footing and have continued on till today. I’m sure every fan is as well. This album isn’t one for the first timer, for that I would recommend ‘Into The Pit’ or ‘The Mechanics of Perilous Times’ but if you are an Ultimatum die hard you’ll want it to complete your collection.

I’m sure the band is proud of this work even though it hasn’t weathered time as well as their other releases. For diehards only…

6 axes

ULTIMATUM - THE MECHANICS OF PERILOUS TIMES

This particular Ultimatum album was re-mastered and rereleased in 2007 but I just obtained a copy from someone who wanted to know what I thought about it. I’m grateful for that person sending it to me. ‘The Mechanics of Perilous Times’ is the follow up to the bands ‘Puppets of Destruction’ release. Now I have given that release some very high praise, in light of this album though ‘Puppets’ may have to take a step back.

What can say? Hmmm…. After spinning this disc some 6-7x's first thing right off I will say that this album is the HEAVIEST Ultimatum album I’ve heard. With a sound that is reminiscent in feel and attitude to Metallica’s ‘Kill ‘em All.’ ‘Perilous Times’ is full of anger, attitude, and power that are not seen very often if at all. Only a few landmark discs have ‘Kill ‘em All’ is one, the first Metal Church album is another. Perfect polish isn’t necessarily the endgame, but capturing a band on the verge of a breakout is.

It seems to me that these guys hit the studio in tip top form. The performances on ‘Temple of the Spirit,’ ‘Greed Regime, Inc,’ ‘Violence & Bloodshed’ blow the proverbial roof off. They are raw loud and true power/thrash masterpieces. Listening to ‘Temple’ it just demands and forces you to listen again and again. Ultimatum is reminding us that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Someone may ask ‘Why do you say that this disc is full of anger?’ Well let me explain ‘Greed Machine, Inc’ is all about those unscrupulous preachers who fleece the flock of God and turn our Lord into Santa Claus. Or how about on ‘Shroud of Science’ when the largest sacred cow of our time is exposed for what it is, then tar and feathered. Just those two examples lyrically are combined with a musical attack that really is top drawer all the way.

The production isn’t perfect but that completely adds to the charm of this album. The guitars are LOUD and CHUNKY, with a little reverb added in then set to simmer with pile driver drums, blasting bass and vocals that would scrape rust off the side of a ship.
What is not to like???? How ‘bout a worship song ‘The Purging’ is just that. Nasty riffs and dynamic arranging pull this whole composition into focus, then hit a bulls eye.

The more I listen the more I’m enthralled and sucked into this musical vortex that refuses to let me go. Sorta like falling into a black hole I think, y’know where even light cannot escape. However in this case the vortex isn’t there to bring destruction but life and direction to the one who can give it.

This album is a classic in the same vein as early Metallica, Exodus, Metal Church. Ultimatum have made a statement here that they’re ready to share the same stage as any major player in the metal world.

10 axes

ULTIMATUM - PUPPET OF DESTRUCTION remastered and expanded addition

Roxx Productions has DONE IT AGAIN! Bill and company have given us a brilliant release of a CLASSIC metal masterpiece. Ultimatum’s ‘Puppet of Destruction.' Originally released in 1998 for Rowe Productions, Bill has done us all a favor and had it re-mastered. And boy DOES THIS SOUND BRILLIANT!!!

I will say this; I have not heard the Rowe Productions version. I’m sure I’ll try to obtain it in the future to hear the difference. So now I’m sure you’re saying, “If you’ve never heard the original how are you able to tell that this is better?” That’s a legitimate question with a very simple answer. I own ‘Into the Pit’ and ‘Lex Metalis’ the most recent releases by Ultimatum AND THIS DISC SOUNDS LIKE IT WAS RECORDED THIS YEAR!!! The quality is so similar how could this have been recorded 10 years ago!

I understand vocalist Scott Waters has indicated that no re-mixing was done, just a remastering. Brutal crisp guitar tones, punchy pounding drums, solid thumping bass and a vocal wail that would scrape paint of my walls. Power/Thrash metal BRILLIANCE!! I must admit I really like this disc. How Ultimatum slipped passed my radar for so many years is a crime. With a sound akin to Exodus or Metal Church, Ultimatum just grabs you and forces you to go on a first class metal excursion.

Some of my favorite smash tracks include ‘Mortal Stomp’ (a classic!), ‘Never’, ‘Charged Power’ (crushing!). These are just a smattering of the delicious metal feast that awaits you on this release. It just begs you to come back again and again to get your fill. It’s like an all you can eat buffet, you keep going back for more. 'Repentance', 'Crosshope' hit you like a ton of bricks! sheesh!

Then if that wasn’t enough Bill and the Roxx crew have added 3 bonus tracks to boot! First up is the actual demo for the song ‘Never.’ Ultimatum’s cover of the Testament tune ‘Sins of Omission’ makes an appearance here. Like a steamroller that knocks you down flat, they barrel along reminding us of the power of old school thrash. Lastly we are treated to a 2008 version of ‘Mortal Stomp.’ This version was originally recorded for the Christian Metal Realms third compilation CD. ‘Mortal Stomp’ is just that. It pounds and grinds with a fabulous riff that blows doors!

Robert Gutierrez again shows why he deserves more recognition as a lead player. Even though Steve Trujillo plays most of the leads, Robert holds nothing back. Scott Waters just reminds me of Gary Souza. What else can I say? He delivers a strong vocal performance. Sean Griego pounds it out on the drums and Steve Trujillo is a shred o matic on the guitar.

I really am in a state of shock. When I heard this was a remaster of a 1998 disc, I was sorta guarded about it. I knew I wanted to hear it but I really wondered about the quality. All of those concerns were put to rest. This is a complete driving metal package. A nice inlay of photos and notes from Scott Waters and Bill Roxx. They both discuss the band and the story behind this album.

As a bonus for the first 100 pre-orders you also get the Ultimatum’s ‘Fatal Delay’ demo. You can hear the progression from there to now. That demo shows the initial threads of what was to come. A great piece of metal history. If you were fortunate enough to get it, it’s a true collectable. (I do believe at this point they're sold out.)

I did say this was a classic

10 AXES