The Metal Crypt on Facebook  The Metal Crypt's YouTube Channel
Review: Hammers Of Misfortune - 17th Street
Hammers Of Misfortune
www.hammersofmisfortune.com
17th Street

Label: Metal Blade Records
Year released: 2011
Duration: 49:50
Tracks: 9
Genre: Progressive Metal

Rating:
4/5


Review online: January 29, 2012
Reviewed by: Christopher Foley
Readers' Rating
How do you rate this release?

Rated 4/5 (80%) (11 Votes)
Review

Regrettably this my first experience with bizarre progressive metal maestros Hammers of Misfortune, although one that has piqued my curiosity for the band and their past work. One thing I have noticed regarding the band's fifth full-length 17th Street is that a lot of their previously established fan base has found the album to be somewhat of a disappointment. Since I'm a newcomer I can't comment on how this compares to their previous output, what I can say is that I feel there is nothing disappointing here for the uninitiated, and I believe 17th Street could serve as an excellent introduction to Hammers of Misfortune.

My initial impressions upon hearing the band was something along the lines of: "Wow, so this is what Slough Feg would have sounded like had they decided to play 70's prog." Obviously it didn't come as a surprise to find out John Cobbett was involved, who for my money did the best Slough Feg albums. One thing that really surprised me was just how accessible some of the tracks were, take a look at the likes of "The Grain" and "The Day the City Died", both massive, ridiculously catchy numbers, the latter of which sounds like Yes and Meat Loaf jamming out with Maiden.

The album is certainly fruity, but when you're being billed as a progressive metal act what can you really expect? There is a lot to like on 17th Street and I think progressive metal fans would do well to check them out. Hammers of Misfortune offer up an interesting, eclectic blend of music, which whilst being far out never loses itself to pretention, and always remains accessible and catchy. I look forward to digging backwards into their catalogue.

More about Hammers Of Misfortune...
Review: Fields/Church of Broken Glass (reviewed by Adam Kohrman)
Review: Fields/Church of Broken Glass (reviewed by Hermer Arroyo)
Review: The August Engine (reviewed by Adam Kohrman)
Review: The August Engine (reviewed by Sargon the Terrible)
Review: The Bastard (reviewed by Adam Kohrman)
Review: The Locust Years (reviewed by Adam Kohrman)
Review: The Locust Years (reviewed by Sargon the Terrible)
Interview with JC on February 28, 2004 (Interviewed by Sargon the Terrible)
Click below for more reviews
Latest 0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Various Books/Zines 



The Metal Crypt - Crushing Posers Since 1999
Copyright  © 1999-2024, Michel Renaud / The Metal Crypt.  All Rights Reserved.