Various Artist - Masters of Horror II CD Review

I missed out on the first Masters of Horror disc, but it does not seem to be so far above Masters of Horror II to be beyond resproach. A veritable who's who of harder acts are present on this disc, whether it be Hatebreed, Cradle of Filth, Seether, or All That Remains. Hatebreed comes out with some of the strongest, most-metal tracks I've ever heard from them in "New Hate Rising". While there are slightly slower interludes between the stanza, there is no denying that Hatebreed has gotten heavy in their old age. However, the first hit for "Masters of Horror II" has to be Cradle of Filth's "Foetus of a New Day Kicking".

During this track, something that is much more rock-influenced than the black metal of earlier Cradle of Filth, the band is able to create something that can be sung along with easily. Lacuna Coil's use of a bagpipe during "Virtual Environment" will remind older music fan of when Korn attempted the same thing, but the two tracks are miles removed from each other. For the individual that is a completist, acoustic versions of both the Seether (Needles) and Shinedown (Dirthouse) tracks are present on this disc. The disc acts well as a compilation, with the bands all united in a general style besides Eagles of Death Metal. This band's track would work better on an album that would feature bands like The Darkness and Wolfmother.

Despite this aberration, "Masters of Horror II" is a disc that individuals that dig what is currently on rock radio can appreciate. The first track on the second half of the disc that gets even somewhat close to the metal that opened up the disc has to be Chimaira's "Threnody", and while this does not have the range of Hatebreed's track, it more than makes up for it in intensity. Sticking the 7 minute long "The Devil" by Wax on Radio is a little over the top, and Downtown would have done well to use another Wax on Radio track and allow a fifteenth track on "Masters of Horror II". The song is solid but takes up too much in the way of real estate on the disc. I would like to see this disc become something yearly, and released for everyone to pick up around Halloween. Give this disc a list if the harder side of things appeals to you in the least.

Top Tracks: Wax on Radio / The Devil , Seether / Needles
Rating: 6.1/10