Bay Area Boys Are Back!
David Goldt | Livermore, CA | 11/03/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"During the hard rock/metal heydays of the late eighties and early nineties, dozens of bands garnered platinum success thanks to a fancy gimmick, a poster-boy singer, and/or a mega marketing campaign from a major record label. On the other hand, a select few seemed to play mostly from their hearts (save for an occasional radio-friendly power ballad) and achieved more modest popularity. Unfortunately, when the flannel-clad boys from Seattle took over MTV and just about everything else rock-related, these more genuine bands, such as Babylon A.D. were among the first to (at least temporarily) drop from sight (and sound).In their earliest days, the guys were playing for pocket-change at local clubs and bars. Circa 1988, the recording contract offers were looming, and the guys disappeared for awhile. They reemerged with a new monicker, and a new boss; Clive Davis (Yes, the now former Arista guru that you've seen with Carlos Santana so often)Over the next few years, the band toured the US, spent some time on the infamous "Head Bangers Ball" with Riki Rachtman (forgive my spelling Riki) and even had one of their tunes included on the soundtrack to "Robocop II". But after two studio albums, B.A.D. was "dropped" by Arista. Enough of the history lesson! After what has been called a "hiatus" and a break, or even a break-up, the guys are back with a solid new offering on their OWN label that is sure to please long-time fans, and just may have enough of a modern feel to turn a few new ears.AMERICAN BLITZKRIEG manages to blend familiar aspects of the band's past, with a healthy dose of fresh tones and hooks. Lyrically, as before, some tunes touch on personal issues and reflection. Others, such as the title track, tackle broader topics and events. "Magic Mary" and "Sinking in The Sand" are perhaps the stellar tunes on the disc. Full-on rockers that, if I may add, DO sound even better live. "The Sky's Falling" is the mellowest cut and proves that not all men are pigs. (After you listen to the song, that comment will make more sense).Well-worth checking out."
Woulda Been, Coulda Been
Would'e | Alexandria, Virginia USA | 03/21/2001
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This collection of nine hard rock tracks offers the minimum in what I'd expect from a respectable album, not really any more nor any less. Most of the songs are good, though nothing particularly original is in evidence. The playing is competent and workmanlike and the production from songwriter/vocalist Derek Davis is professional though he may feature his own unspectacular singing a bit too prominently. Standout pieces include the title track which is basically a medley of an original Babylon A.D. tune and Edwin Starr's classic "War". Songs like "Magic Mary," "I Wana Live" and "Sinking in The Sand" seethe with a restained energy that bubbles beneath the surface and lends them a vague sense of menace."One Way Ride" is a solid melodic rocker and "SuperStar", while a good tune in its own right, curiously takes a page from the Smashing Pumpkins in its feel and execution. On the downside "The Sky's Falling" is an ill-advised ballad-by-the-numbers. Overall, American Blitzkrieg leaves me with the sense of a band who, while on the right path, has yet to break loose and discover a unique sound of their own. Unless Babylon A.D. can carve that niche for themselves they risk joining the legions of the "could of been,/should have been"
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1