(Heavy Metal) Heavy Duty - What We've Been Through - 2010, MP3, 192 kbps

Some times less is more. Take, for example the French band Heavy Duty and their debut album "What We’ve Been Through". Their style and songs aren’t flashy; they don’t have an operatic singer performing vocal gymnastics. The songs are pretty much straight-forward, heavy and are about as subtle as a punch to the gut. Lead vocalist Michaelle has a throaty, raspy singing style that relies more on heart and passion than technicality.

Heavy Duty plays Black Sabbath, Sevendust influenced metal. All of the songs are punctuated by instantly powerful guitar riffs and melodies. From the opener of "Protective Son" and the second track "Bloody Mary", Heavy Duty shows what they’re capable of; these are my two favorite songs on this 47-minute disc. Heavy Duty does not let up for a second as they plow through "Fake", "Ashamed" and "Aftertaste". Other highlights include: "Get Drunk", "Sowing The Seeds" and "Meaningless". "What We’ve Been Through" is a powerful debut from Heavy Duty. This band definitely lives up to their name.

Michaelle – Vocals
Alain – Guitars
Chris – Drums
Vincent – Bass