Lions Share - Emotional Coma
AFM Records 2007
http://www.lionsshare.org
Lions Share roar (pun intended) back with their new album and a significant change in the vocalist department. Gone is Tony Niva, vocalist on the fantastic 'Entrance'. Stepping in is Patrick Johansson, whom some believe is the second coming of Ronnie James Dio, and singer on albums by Astral Doors, Wuthering Heights, Space Odyssey. Not the type of vocalist I would have thought would suit Lions Share's style, but then again that depends on whether they have kept to the style previously exhibited.
To a point they have. Opener 'Cult Of Denial' and 'Edge Of The Razor' both could literally be from the 'Two' album, the riffs and choruses being so recognisable. From there on in there is a mix of styles. On 'Bloodstained Soil' and 'Sorcerers there is a strong Sabbath/Dio influence, fueled by Johansson's distinctive vocals. European melodic metal gets a good going over on 'The Arsonist' and 'Hatred's My Fuel', each track exhibiting a great chorus. In the middle of this are a couple of thrashier, American metal tracks, the pick of the bunch being 'Soul Taker'. And when you thought the lines couldn't get any more blurred there is 'Clones Of Fate', a NWOBHM belter.
Despite the changing styles throughout the album 'Emotional Coma' is seemless in its delivery and a ton more entertaining than I was expecting. I was not a fan of 'Two' or 'Falling From Grace', but they nailed it on 'Entrance'. This new release is a nod towards Lions Share's past but not a complete regression. It incorporates the old sound along with the aforementioned classic metal influences, topped off by a wrecking ball heavy production. Once you get through the entire album it is clear that Patrick fits in perfectly with the material and this performance continues his rise as a highly respected vocalist. With 'Emotional Coma' the band stake their claim for kings of the metal jungle (yes, pun is intended again).
Rating 9/10
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