MESSIAH'S KISS

This is already the second release from the German outfit. The band apparently couldn't come up with a title for their debut on their own and decided to nick one from IRON MAIDEN — namely "No Prayer For The Dying." As time goes on, the imagination dwindles further, and the new full-length was simply titled "Metal." The album begins in an unusual fashion for a heavy metal band. An organ intro a la CRADLE OF FILTH, though the majestic instrument is immediately picked up by guitars, and everything falls into place. And off goes the heavy/speed metal in the vein of IRON MAIDEN and JUDAS PRIEST. Perfectly decent and professionally played material, yet originality is virtually absent. There are, however, melodies that will undoubtedly please and stick with you (especially where speed gives way to solos), just as the album's closing will stick with you — nearly two minutes of a rabid dog snarling. There is something worth hearing on the album, but only two, maybe three times through.