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5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

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Band
David Shankle Group
Title
Ashes to Ashes
Type
LP/EP
Company
Nuclear Blast
YOR
2004
Style
Power
Popular Reviews
6/11/2004 - Review by: Ken Pierce
David Shankle Group - Ashes to Ashes - 2004 Reviewed by: Ken Pierce

Track Listing
1. Ashes To Ashes
2. A Raven At Midnight
3. The Windows Grief
4. The Widow’s Peak
5. Calling All Heroes
6. Curse Of The Pharoah
7. The Tolling Of The Bell
8. Secrets
9. Madness
10. Back To Heaven
11. Masquerade
12. The Magic Of The Chords
13. Voice Of Authority
David Shankle, former Manowar guitar wizard has returned with a group under his own name. Their debut effort entitled “Ashes to Ashes” is a great piece indeed. As a fan of Manowar I can honestly tell you that while this band holds some similar themes it is by no means a clone of Manowar music. The DSG has more in common with that of Iron Maiden or Queensryche for that matter. I felt this is good since it allows the band its own identity seperate from that of Manowar. In my humble opinion it allowed Dave’s work in Manowar to remain special and his new DSG material has a chance to rise to success on it’s own.

Songs of note or at least my favorites are as follows: “Ashes To Ashes”, “Curse Of The Pharoah”, “Calling All Heroes”, “Tolling Of The Bell” and “Madness”. There is also a killer instrumental called “Voice Of Authority”. David leads the group on guitar while he is joined by Trace Edward Zaber (vocals), Eddy “Shreddy” Bethishou (keyboards), Brian Gordon (Bass), and Eddie Foltz (Drums). The group holds their own and is quite talented, Dave did good in picking them out.

Some cool little addition is the fact that the videos for “Ashes To Ashes” and “Calling All Heroes” are included on this CD. A nice inclusion which makes purchasing it all that better. I rated this CD on the high side because I found almost every number catchy and energetic. It is very easy to find oneself playing this CD a few times after purchase.

NEWS: This release does not come without some news. Lead Singer Trace Edward is taking a leave from the band and that means if you have what it takes to make the cut you should go to the website and submit an audition press kit.

DSG Official Website: www.davidshanklegroup.com

Rating: 8/10

Website: www.davidshanklegroup.com

--Ken Pierce 06.11.04
  • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
    N/A :AVE RATING

ALL REVIEWS FOR: DAVID SHANKLE GROUP
TITLE
DOR
COMPANY
 REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
Ashes to Ashes
2004
Nuclear Blast
Ken Pierce6/11/2004
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ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: DAVID SHANKLE GROUP
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