Concussion Protocol Vicious Rumors 2016 SPV/Steamhammer Records Vicious Rumors are a Heavy Metal band from the USA that also contains elements of Power, Progressive and Speed Metal. Releasing their debut studio album in 1985, the seminal Soldiers of the Night, Vicious Rumors are able to stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Fates Warning and Queensrÿche and although the band has undergone many line-up changes throughout the years, Vicious Rumors are still led by founding member Geoff Thorpe. Concussion Protocol is the 12th studio album by Vicious Rumors and the follow up to 2013’s relatively lacklustre Electric Punishment. However, Concussion Protocol is heavily boosted by the addition of new vocalist Nick Holleman and bassist Tilen Hudrap to the line-up of Thorpe on guitars, Larry Howe on the drums and Thaen Rasmussen also on the guitar. Concussion Protocol also features guest spots from Night Ranger’s Brad Gillis on Last of Our Kind and former Vicious Rumors guitarist Steve Smyth who played on the 1996 album Something Burning and Cyberchrist released in 1998 plays on the track Chemical Slave. After Electric Punishment, something had to be done to get Vicious Rumors back on track with Concussion Protocol. Once again, at the production helm is Juan Urteaga who has worked consistently with Vicious Rumors since 2011’s Razorback Killers. Joining Urteaga in the production seat is Vicious Rumors himself, Thorpe and between them have created a sound that is meaty and heavy enough to appeal fans of the heavier side of Speed Metal, yet melodic and interesting enough to tweak the interest of Progressive Metal fans. Concussion Protocol is kicked off by the title track with its pounding beat and great guitar harmony work between Thorpe and Rasmussen before smashing forward with a riff that would appeal to fans of Iced Earth or Ripper-era Judas Priest. As for a track that introduces Holleman as the new vocalist, it isn’t the best, Holleman sticks to the lower registry, a re-occurring theme throughout the first half of Concussion Protocol; this is what gives Concussion Protocol that almost Tim “Ripper” Owens feel, heavily prevalent in Chasing the Priest, Bastards and Every Blessing’s A Curse. However, the album is torn asunder with Holleman opening up his higher registry giving us a glimpse as to why he’s in the vocal seat with the Queensrÿche style Circle of Secrets. Holleman gives his best Geoff Tate impression as he reaches some really high melodic notes. A music video was produced for Take It or Leave It which has a fantastic bass groove from Hudrap which forms the backbone for a record that contains great chanting style chorus’ from Thorpe and Hudrap whilst Holleman flows through the song. Admittedly, Holleman’s voice may not be the best, but he does well with what he’s got, throwing his voice from rhythmically low to high melodic squeals, aided with a slight reverb and delay from the producers seat. But the song itself belongs to Hudrap, his walking bass run in the breakdown before the chorus chant stands alone and makes the song. However, Thorpe singing on Life for a Life is not needed and only serves to sully the album, the style doesn’t fit the rest of Concussion Protocol and is a total waste of 6 minutes. Vicious Rumors have delivered an album that is significantly better than their last effort, the additions of Hudrap and Holleman is already showing great promise for the future and once more, Vicious Rumors show that they’re not easily defeated and have delivered a decent album of relatively good songs. 7/10 Adam Take It or Leave It (Thorpe/Howe/Holleman/Hudrap)
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