Review Summary: It lacks innovation, and features merely interesting moments rather than truly spectacular ones, but the material is nothing to scoff at.
Supergroups tend to be hit or miss in many cases. On paper, putting Richard Christy (ex.
Death,
Iced Earth), famed producer Jason Suecof, Tim “Ripper” Owens (
Beyond Fear, ex.
Judas Priest, Iced Earth), and Steve DiGiorgio (ex. Death, Iced Earth,
Autopsy) together has potential to say the least. This isn’t to say this band is bad, it simply stands deep in the shadows of the pieces’ other projects and crowned achievements. Charred Walls of the Damned and their new album, while a solid piece of work, had potential to be much more.
Creatures Watching Over the Dead is an album full of fun and upbeat riffs, and tends to feature a more lighthearted message in the lyrics and sound. The opening track “My Eyes” opens with an upbeat riff, but quickly shifts into a dark, brooding minor key and an awkward vocal rhythm. When the chorus hits, though, it shifts back to an anthemic tone. The entire record is based on this simple formula: catchy riffs and choruses with some heavier more moody sounding sections. Take, for example, “The Soulless”. Christy begins this track with a monstrous drum fill and a blisteringly fast blast beat section, accompanied by a speedy riff from Suecof, but the chorus is what really stands out here. Owens’ vocals soar above the instrumentation, making this one of, if not, the best moment on the album.
“The Soulless” is about as engaging as the album gets, unfortunately. The drum beats on the track, while blisteringly fast and heavy, are fairly standard for metal of this calibre which becomes the most disappointing part of the album. Considering Christy’s phenomenal work with Death, he has certain expectations to meet, and fans are sure to be disappointed. There are a few cool fills here and there such as on “As I Catch my Breath”, but this moment is overshadowed by a super bouncy bass groove from Steve DiGiorgio. DiGiorgio also has a standout moment in the beginning of “Afterlife”, as well as the softer sections, carrying the instrumental melody while Suecof strums a simple chord progression. Unfortunately, there isn’t much else to say about DiGiorgio’s bass-work; it doesn’t see much light of day, tending to follow the guitar or being buried under the rest of the production. One of the highlights of the album for sure is track 5, “Lies”. The song’s bookends are made grand by Suecof’s acoustic guitar work and magnificent closing solo. The chorus of the track features Owens’ soaring vocals. The guitarist’s other standout moments would come on track 7, Suecof stands out on “Tear Me Down” as well, displaying a lengthy and versatile solo in the final minute of the track, as well as in the intro to track 3, “Afterlife”, a sorrowful acoustic section.
Owens’ vocals are highly admirable for being on par with the likes of Rob Halford and Bruce Dickinson, sort of mashing their sounds with the raspy edge of Brian Johnson. Two especially powerful moments are on tracks, “My Eyes” and “Tear Me Down”. These tracks see Owens briefly cutting into harsh vocals, although quickly transitioning back to a super soaring melodic roar, which thoroughly show what Owens may be capable of. That said, his voice isn’t perfect. Again, likening him to Dickinson, his voice is seemingly fading in the higher range, sounding as if he may be straining just a bit. Nonetheless, Ripper Owens proves to be the most versatile and interesting piece on display here..
While really being nothing new
Creatures Watching Over the Dead is a fun listen front to back. It lacks innovation, and features merely interesting moments rather than truly spectacular ones, but the material is nothing to scoff at. It will get you singing along, and banging your head in all the right places. While certain members don’t reach their full potential, each has their standout moments. One can only hope that this band works on exposing the true potential in their collective talent, but for now, it’s acceptable as a solid effort from a collection of established veterans.
