Red I Flight – The Years
Victory Records

(5/5)

Honestly, Red I Flight’s debut album The Years has taken the Metal world by storm! Throughout all 10 tracks, RIF brings a constant, aggressive attack filled with extreme double bass, “slice ‘n’ dice” guitars, vigorous vocal work, and precisely placed 808 (aka “bass blasts”). Leading the adrenaline filled attack is vocalist Josh Robinson. Throughout the entire album Josh proves time and time again that he possesses what it takes to be a great vocalist with his unique mixture of Death metal style growls with intense screams and a few clean parts thrown in there! The second line of attack comes from guitarists Matt Earp and Eric Gerloff. With the help of bassist Mike Polec, Matt and Eric help pull the sound together to link the crazy drums and vocals. That leaves Jesse Robinson to bring up the tail end of the attack, riding on the pounding toms and quick double bass of the drums! Altogether, this five-piece makes for one unstoppable team with an incredible debut album under their belts! Out of the 10 tracks, it’s hard to choose favorites, but my top three are “Bullets Over Prayers” (track 3), “Introlude” (track 7), and “Rock Biter Song” (track 8). “Bullets Over Prayers” tops the list, mainly, because of the vocal effects created by Josh. He mixes his growl and scream during part of the lyrics to create a very demonic sounding growl that’s really unique. “Introlude” and “Rock Biter Song” really come in together since “Introlude” is really an intro into “Rock Biter…”, but they are both awesome in their own respects. “Introlude” is great for it’s use of three 808’s, two of them being before you ever hear lyrics in the song. The overall product of “Rock Biter…” put it in the top, but the amazing guitar work mixed with the vocals definitely help it along. Overall, I wouldn’t say that the vocal or music work on any of the songs drag any of them down, but certain aspects of each help some songs in being better than others. RIF’s skills and talents are consistent throughout the album, helping produce an amazing debut that will have you headbanging and moshing in no time!