The ever-evolving White Wizzard

BIV'S REVIEW OF:

WHITE WIZZARD - INFERNAL OVERDRIVE

Release Date: Jan 12, 2017 (U.S.)

Label: M-Theory Records

White Wizzard has seen many lineup changes over the years, making musicians disappear and in  this case, re-appear. Wyatt "Screaming Demon" Anderson is back on vocals, after sitting out their prior CD, 2013's The Devil's Cut. And original guitarist James LaRue, who performed on their first two releases, both EPs, White Wizzard and High Speed GTO, is back in the fold as well. But the changes don't stop there.

If you've listened to White Wizzard for some time, you know their sound has been primarily based in the power-metal genre. And don't get me wrong, they continue to deliver a punch. Evidence of this can be found in the opener (also the title track). But the 2nd track, "Storm the Shores", is a galloping battle anthem worthy of permanently being in their set list. Here is the link to the lyric video, in case you missed it:

White Wizzard - Storm the Shores (Lyric Video)

"Pretty May" keeps up the pace, being extremely melodic with a good tempo but not being unnecessarily blazing. Then we get to where the CD takes a turn.

Suddenly, we get an 8+ minute track entitled "Chasing Dragons" which definitely borders on progressive. The chorus is well-framed and will stick in your head like that hot blonde that just broke up with you. The bridge on this track kicks some serious tail that would make Steve Harris proud and shows founder Jon Leon's desire to bring in progressive elements. That trend continues throughout the rest of the album, mixing power and progressive beautifully.

"Voyage of the World Raiders" is a track that has an arena-anthem feel, then suddenly, about 4 minutes in, this cool middle-eastern sitar sounding piece takes over. Closing out this 9 minute masterpiece is a bridge that builds to a power-chord crescendo.

Unfortunately, the next tune "Critical Mass", is a B-side, at best. It is another 8+ minute track that unlike the others' with length, this one overstays its welcome like your mother-in-law. If not altogether eliminated, it is screaming to be edited.

"Cocoon" is a plodding tune with Wyatt channeling his inner Stu Block, showing his ability to go from intense baritone vocals to a soar, LaRue's guitar also shines on this one, but greatly supported by Leon's bass.

"Metamorphosis" is a track I just outright consider to be a miss. Unlike almost every other tune on this album, it just has nothing to offer. Thankfully, it's one of the shortest tracks on the CD at just about 4 minutes.

No good progressive metal CD would be complete without an 11-minute closer, would it? And that's just what we get with "The Illusions Tears". The first time I heard this CD, I knew this track could elevate the whole CD to 'great' status, or could make us wish they had just left it off the final product. Thankfully, it delivers as a great closer, and justifies it's length. It takes us on a mid-tempo journey musically,  not wearing out its welcome, incorporating everything they are known for, and more

In a recent interview, founder and bassist Jon Leon stated that Rush, Iron Maiden and Rainbow were some of his biggest influences. I would say he did them proud.

8.5 / 10

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