TARANTULA – Spiral of Fear
- by Matt Coe
- Posted on 09-07-2012
The eighth album for Portugal’s Tarantula, a long running heavy/power metal act who formed in the early 1980’s and released albums since 1987. My previous encounter with this band took place with their fifth full length in 1998, “Light Beyond The Dark”, which only received a lukewarm reception to these ears. “Spiral Of Fear” doesn’t fare much better after numerous playbacks. The staccato riff drive for “Shadows” seems stiff, and the chorus melody isn’t very convincing. Guitarist Paulo Barros can wield some shred worthy solo parts that make songs like “Who You Really Are” and “Vultures” more entertaining.
It’s like taking third rate modern Edguy, blending in rehearsal room traditional vocals, adding a splash of that staccato groove and there you have Tarantula in 2012. Might be right for some, nothing of substance for me.