CHARRED WALLS OF THE DAMNED – DEBUT ALBUM IS FULL BLOWN METAL!
Charred Walls of the Damned released their self titled, debut album on February 2, 2010 on Metal Blade Records. Cutting to the Metal chase here, my ears are telling me Charred Walls of the Damned are not just a supergroup, they are an excellent Metal Band… period. There are many shades of Power Metal found within this debut album from Charred Walls of the Damned. How many dozens of American bred Power Metal Bands can you name? Europe outnumbers America in the Power Metal category, thus anytime a North American band even sounds remotely close to Power Metal, it peeks my Metal interest. That is why I am rather excited that founding member and drummer, Richard Christy, decided to embark on an Old School Speed Metal meets Power Metal adventure like this band. Shaking loose from the confines of The Howard Stern Show to create a legit and convincing Metal album is what Richard Christy has done. After listening to Charred Walls of the Damned several times, I’ve come to the Metal conclusion that Richard Christy could probably quit his day job. Then again, it’s not too shabby a gig, to be part of The Howard Stern Show either.
Richard Christy and Tim “Ripper” Owens played together as members of Iced Earth, from 2003 to 2004. Bass guitarist Steve Digiorgio has built his Metal legacy as a founding member of Sadus, while also playing for Death, Testament, Iced Earth and Autopsy… there are a few more, yet the Metal point is made here. Throw in the fact that Richard Christy was also the drummer for Death, from 1996 to 2001 and you have Metal credibility oozing from the Metal seams here. Legendary Metal producer Jason Suecof takes the helm on guitar and of course, producing Charred Walls of the Damned. It is in my sincerest Metal opinion, that Tim “Ripper” Owens does not have to look upon himself as ever being that other lead singer for Judas Priest… never again. Charred Walls of the Damned spotlights the Ripper’s vocals, while he clearly magnifies the power and emotion of each song with Metal conviction.
Truly, an album that has no dog for a song is rare during any era of Metal Music. Charred Walls of the Damned is just that album… from Ghost Town to Fear In The Sky, the unrelenting Metal assault that is unmistakably power charged, comes at you like an out of control heat seeking missile. Jason Suecof demonstrates his guitar appreciation with unreal great confidence and clarity. The Metal leads, riffs and solos rage throughout Charred Walls of the Damned, Jason Suecof can play. If I sound over zealous about this debut album, it’s that I’m only extremely psyched that these four Metal players have combined their skills and minds to deliver a quality Metal product.
Overall, these songs are built on speed, blended with the Power Metal vocals of Ripper and thunder struck by Steve Digiorgio on bass and Christy on drums. Charred Walls of the Damned teamed up to tinker with the traditional brilliance’s of Metal. Oh, did they tinker… the end result is the Metal parts are just as great as the Metal sum with their debut album. I really hope this is just the beginning of a long line of albums, from this “new” Metal Band they call – Charred Walls of the Damned.
For more about Charred Walls of the Damned, click here: Charred Walls of the Damned – myspace music page
CHARRED WALLS OF THE DAMNED – Track Listing:
1. Ghost Town
2. From The Abyss
3. Creating Our Machine
4. Blood on Wood
5. In a World So Cruel
6. Manifestations
7. Voices Within the Walls
8. The Darkest Eyes
9. Fear in the Sky
Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
February 19, 2010 at 7:57 am
I agree. It is a fantastic release. This album was written, in majority, by Christy. There is absolutley NO FILLER on this album. The songs don’t drag on and repeat themselves. Everyone is showcasing a Hundred percent of their talent. I am looking forward to the iTunes release of, the Japanese bonus track, “Nice Dreams”. It is a cover from the “Absolute Power” release by one of the most underrated bands in METAL history…POWERMAD! The fact that such a high profile, highly respected, guy like Christy is giving respect to POWERMAD may go along way towards helping them being recognized more in the world of HEAVY METAL. Also, according to Chrsity, this is not a one-off band & release. He has 6 more songs written and would like to do another release… soon. Here’s hoping. The release of “Nice Dreams” should happen sometime in March. \m/
February 19, 2010 at 10:37 pm
Thanks for the heads up on the “bonus track” of “Nice Dreams”… I just wish they (whoever that may be), would just put that song on the American release and be Metal done with it. I could never figure out the “mindset” of bonus track “availability” – no insult intended towards Charred Walls of the Damned however, after all, business is business.
Christy is something else though! You are right on the Metal bulls eye with Christy spotlighting Powermad… I second your comments. This is a perfect example of just how tight the Metal “family” can be. Man, I am psyched you mentioned 6 songs are in the racks already… nice! I will without hesitation, buy the single “Nice Dreams” from itunes… it’s a Metal must!
Thanks for the insight and added details –
Stone
February 20, 2010 at 3:28 am
I had a friend text me just the other day saying I needed to check out this band. He has different tastes in metal than I do, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had never heard of them. MySpace samples sound good. I’ll have to pick this one up.
February 20, 2010 at 3:44 am
You know… the more I listened to this band, the more I liked them. There is some added intensity overall with this album, due to who is involved as musicians. Honestly, Charred Walls of the Damned are the real deal.
I picked this CD up at fye for 9.99… it comes with a DVD too… “the making of” kind.
February 21, 2010 at 3:14 am
Yep, just picked mine up today from FYE. Hope to have my thoughts posted on it sometime next week.
February 21, 2010 at 3:21 am
Hopefully you will like it… then I can welcome you to the Charred Walls of the Damned fan club!
February 20, 2010 at 3:17 pm
if it didn’t have tim owens on it i’d be more interested. i listen to several tracks off of this and he kills it for me. his voice needs so many effects and i am pretty sure one of them is a pitch tuner. i love richard christy and steve digiorgio but i can’t get past the awful vocals on this.
February 20, 2010 at 4:30 pm
I was wondering what you would might think of this album… it’s funny, yet I kinda knew you would not like the vocals! (Based on Ripper’s similarities to Rob Halford).
Hey, it’s what you interpret from listening to his vocals… plus you have the experience and insight to make that call.
I’m just a sucker for overpowering and searing vocals… I can’t kick it.
March 1, 2010 at 6:58 am
not to jump on the Sean bandwagon around these parts, but I agree. Great songs here but something about Tim’s vox just don’t cut it with me.
Same for his solo stuff, Iced Earth and esp. the PRIEST material.
*When I hear him, I hear a bad copy of King Diamond.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good voice, but originality speaks a lot to me and every time I hear him (as much as I WANT to like the guy) some huge RED FLAG just pops up in my head as a road block.
I liked the Roadrunner All-Stars DVD, but wait, he was imitating the KING then too!
Sorry Stone….thanks for the Charred tip though.
Kinger
Keeper of the BEST KING DIAMOND interview ever…