Godsized - Heavy lies the Crown

(CD Album Review)

***1/2

How heavy is Godsized Metal crown!

Godsized have been making waves all round their country with their distinctive Metal sound. They have a very American sound and tone, but this band are not from Stateside, they are one of our home grown talents... here in the UK. If your looking for an image conscious band then Godsized is not for you, this is a band that is purely about the music. I have heard this band and seen this band live on countless times and you really get that feel, they just simply love what they are doing.

'Heavy lies the Crown' has a cover that I don't think really stands out as much as it should do, but it does look Retro and fits in with what the band are trying to do on the record. Even though I think they maybe should have gone for skulls, or something more edgy. They are not only Classic Rock, they mix it up with modern Metal as well. This doesn't really come across on the album sleve.

They start things off well with the familiar titled 'Welcome to Hell', which has an epic Metallica / Trivium type intro build up before breaking into a heavy riff and Scott Weiland (Stone temple Pilots / Velvet Revolver) type vocals. It has a heavy up tempo riff that like the title of the song sounds familiar like an old friend. The song has a distinctive chorus that any mainstream Classic Rock artist would love to be theirs. You could imagine this track being played on MTV or Kerrang! TV, it is really easy to get into. But maybe that is the problem at the moment, so many bands doing this to choose from. The question is what makes Godsized stand out amongst the others?.

I think what makes them, is the musicianship of all the members. They all know how to play Classic Rock / Metal riffs, without making them sound like they come from a pub touring band. Godsized sound big and impressive and could be up their with the likes of Creed, Alterbridge and Black label Society and not look and sound out of place. Second track 'Saving You' shows this, it's radio friendly attitude and melody just bring the track to life and make you feel at home. The heavy but slow riffage and vocals of 'Push against the Tide', clog along like a stream train building up momentum as it goes.

'Never a better Time' shows off guitarist Chris Charles versatility to come up with stand out riffs, while singer Glenn Korner backs him up and wails like he was back in the 90's and he had to impress Soundgarden. Chris' solo on this track is really impressive to and well worth listening to near the end for. 'Web of Lies' is too predictable and the drums sound too formulaic and the kick in doesn't really stand out. This track is more a filler than a single, mid album slight Rock ballad. They keep on the slow feeling with 'Fade', which I like a lot more than 'Web of Lies'. This song is far too slow though and you find yourself treading water a little to while listening to it.

'Forgotten Friend' get's you a little Blues and Stoner, while it tells you a story. This song would be really nice on a summer day, at a European festival so I advise you to put in on your mixtape. 'Do you see what I See' is slightly more interesting and sound is very refreshing, even though it has an old vibe to it. I think Godsized have listened to a lot of 70's / 90's Classic Rock / Metal and AOR, because you can hear so many hints of other bands on 'Heavy lies the Crown'. One of the best tracks is 'Stone cold blow to the Head' which is really memorable, just a shame it's not earlier on the album.

'Out of Fear' and 'Pay your Debt' end off the record, even though they are really well put together great tracks. They just are too similar to others on the record, so don't really stand out or make an impact. I do like this record and if you are a fan of Black label Society and the work of Zakk Wylde or Black stone Cherry, you will simply love it. But I don't think Godsized are going to ever be leaders in their game, but I think they will release some great records that are well worth a listen.

Review by Dan Devour