Origin:	Long Island, NY, USA
Genres:	Traditional Metal

Charred Walls Of The Damned

The latest in underground metal supergroups, Charred Walls Of The Damned was put together rather suddenly by well-known metal drummer Richard Christy, late of Iced Earth and several others and currently working on the Howard Stern radio show. Along for the ride here are none other than Tim "Ripper" Owens Judas Priest, Iced Earth, et. al.), guitarist Jason Suecof (Capharnaum, and currently a hot metal producer), and one of the most prolific bassists ever (both in terms of quality and quantity) in Steve DiGiorgio. With this pedigree, the album really can't fail, and it doesn't, being a pretty potent modern, slightly technical power/thrash affair with Ripper putting in another standout vocal performance and Christy's The underrated star here might be Suecof, he proves himself more than up to the task, and thanks to an excellent production by, well, himself, his riffs are crunchy and his leads tasteful yet developed. No faults here, with the minor quibble of a shade more identity being welcome next time around. Who knows whether this will develop into a long-running band or a short-term project, but they're off to a fine start.