Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Godiva - S/T 2003 Limb Music - Reviewed by EC

Track Listing1. The Gate 2. Razorblade Romantic 3. Heavy Metal Thunder 4. One Shot 5. Nightmare 6. Cold Blood 7. Where Angels die 8. Riding through time 9. Let the tanks roll 10. Bullshit Lover 11. Sinner

Its amazing how a band will just come out of nowhere and release a masterpiece.

Godiva has done that very thing.

Like a beer bottle thrown from way in the back, Godiva has creeped up on the metal world with their debut self-titled record on Limb music. This one is a real ballbuster of epic magnitude, extremely diverse and well crafted. Tom Naumann (Primal Fear) and famed producer Achim Kohler have teamed up to produce this promising young metal act's first record.

I would have to say that Godiva's sound is caught somewhere in time, kind of a cross between early Grave Digger and Sinner, mixed with the modern approach of new German acts like Primal Fear and Rebellion. The result is one chaotic rollercoaster of fantastic musicianship and an extremely well rounded metallic sound.

One can hear every type of influence, from Black Sabbath to Megadeth, and Children Of Bodom to Sentenced. This band really does it all and captivates their audience with a sonic invitation to headbang forever. There is a multitude of different stylings on this disc, and plenty for every type of metal fan.

"Let The Tanks Roll" and "Heavy Metal Thunder" are true heavy metal anthems, with vocalist Anthony De Angelis sounding like Biff from Saxon at times. Helloween's powermetal sound can be heard on "Where Angels Die", while "One Shot" sounds like Reactor meets Bay Area Thrash. I really love the gothic overtone of "Cold Blood", with its "No More Tears" bass line and huge guitar crunch courtesy of Sammy Lasagni and Francis Stebler. The band even goes so far as to add a little hard rock flavor to the mix with "Bullshit Lover".

Its rare that a band makes a good debut record. Godiva has made a fantastic first effort, and I really think the band can improve on this and make something truly monumental with their next offering. De Angelis is an amazing vocalist that brings a real magic feel to the band's sound.

Godiva has a real good start at creating something that will be globally recognized.


--EC 10.16.03