VIOLENT STORM - Storm Warning

Posted: 04/04/07

Reviewed by: Dirt

Category: Heavy Metal

Released: 10/23/06

Label URL: www.goldstormrecords.com

Artist URL: www.violentstorm.net

1/2

It’s difficult in modern times for a new band to get the attention it deserves.  But when you get the stamp of approval from Judas Priest’s K.K. Downing, it’s gotta help.  Better yet, when you can get K.K. to play on your debut record, considering he’s never done it for any band other than Judas Priest, it certainly says something.  Violent Storm succeeded in doing both and even did one better, they got K.K. to produce their debut, Storm Warning.  The fact that leader/bassist Mick Cervino was able to do this is nothing short of amazing, and very smart thinking on his part.  Cervino is no slouch himself, though.  He’s played with Ritchie Blackmore in Blackmore’s Night, Joe Satriani’s G3 Tour, and Yngwie Malmsteen, so he’s certainly in the big leagues.

Storm Warning is a traditional metal offering that features the solid vocals of previously unknown singer Matt Reardon.  With a melodic, mid-range delivery, Reardon’s style fits in nicely with the band’s direction.  Drummer Mike Sorrentino, who played with Zebra for a bit, is credited with playing on three tracks, but since no other drummer is credited, I’m not sure if that means that a drum machine was used on the remainder of the tracks.  Either way, the drumming is upfront in the mix.  As if K.K.’s participation wasn’t enough, Yngwie Malmsteen performs on two songs and famed producer Roy Z. plays on two as well.  Yngwie’s presence is obvious on ”Fire In The Unknown,” as his neo-classical fret-burning is recognizable.

The highlight of the disc is “Deceiver,” a catchy chorus driven track.  The million mile per hour opener, “War No More,” is also killer, as Sorrentino’s fast feet drive this one.  The lowlight would be the plodding “You Don’t Care.”

The Bloody Truth:  Violent Storm is a fresh face on the scene.  Considering the involvement of Downing as producer and Roy Z (who mixed the disc), the overall sound is a tad muddy, which takes a little bit away from the platter.  Nevertheless, Storm Warning shows a great deal of potential, solid musicianship, and some thunderous traditional tracks.  I think the overall vibe will attract fans of Malmsteen (and traditionalists in general), although the shredding only appears on the two Yngwie tracks.