THE SHOWDOWN - Temptation Come My Way

Mono Vs. Stereo; 2007

While the Tennessee band The Showdown's first release leaned more toward the melodic death metal / metalcore styles, Temptation Come My Way, their second effort, is an infectious blend of hard and heavy metallic rock that's high on the octane.  Big chunky guitar riffs built on a solid rhythm foundation, the songs on this disc beg you to crank the volume and cruise around with the window down to share.  Comparisons to the heavier side of Nickelback are obvious, but instead of being a flat rip of the sound, the music is varied to keep things interesting; at times they tread a delicious post-metal sound reminiscent of Load-era Metallica on tracks like "Fanatics And Whores" and "Death Finds Us Breathing", and on the title track they manage a tight Pantera-like groove metal sound, while on "Six Feet Under" the opening riff sounds so close to a Ratt song that I had to double-check the track to make sure nothing weird happened.  The cover of Kansas' "Carry On Wayward Son" is...decent.

Lyrically, the songs on Temptation Come My Way are more personal and raw than on the apocalyptic themes on the previous disc.  Topics including faith, alcoholism, having a good time are written very well, without any trace of cliché' to mar the final product.  Production wise, this couldn't have been any more perfect.  The sound is heavy as stink, the vocals are melodic and pronounced, and everything is a sonic kick in the gut.

While many who got into the band with their first album may be taken aback by the lack of Iron Maiden On Speed-type thrash, and may even feel they've wussed out, I think the boys have found their true niche.  Do you remember Disciple when they actually rocked?  Would you like to forget Bride's last couple of albums?  Do you pine for something that will rock you like a hurricane, without the pretentiousness?  Temptation Come My Way is the album that you're looking for.  Highly recommended...