Mean Streak – Declaration Of War (2011)
Mean Streak ‘s latest disc, Declaration Of War, is just what the title proclaims. Filled with war themed songs, boot-stomping anthems, and powerful music that explodes in your eardrums like a well tossed hand grenade, Declaration Of War is a praiseworthy, intense, hard rock album. Declaration Of War is this Swedish metal band’s second release, and although I am not familiar with their first album, I may just have to seek it out after hearing this disc.
If Jim Gillette from Nitro joined Manowar to form a band, Mean Streak is exactly what the band would sound like. Talented guitarist, David Andersson gives Nitro’s Michael Angelo Batio a run for his money as one of the best guitarists in thrash/speed/doom metal. At one time it was claimed that Batio was the fastest guitarist in all the metal world. After hearing Declaration Of War, I can guarantee that Andersson could outplay him.
David Andersson has a talent not found in many guitarists. He plays fast. He plays heavy. He plays clean. That last comment is the most important. Most guitarists that play fast or heavy tend to distort their sound or blend it in with special effects, whammy bars, etc. Not Andersson. When he shreds the guitar on songs like “As You Sow You Shall Reap” and “In For The Kill,” you can hear every note as clearly as the ringing of a bell. Andersson is an amazing talent and truly helps Mean Streak stand out from the rest of the pack.
However, great guitar work isn’t the only wonderful thing about Mean Streak. They also come equipped with one of the greatest lead vocalists since the dawn of Bruce Dickinson. Lead singer Andy La Guerin is a talent that needs to be heard. A more prominent howler than Dickinson in his prime, La Guerin can give a rock scream/metal yodel like none that has ever been heard. His voice is intense and mighty, and compliments Andersson’s guitar work beautifully. Together, the two are a supreme talent.
Mean Streak is a complete band. They have a phenomenal vocalist in La Guerin and one of the greatest guitar players on the metal scene in Andersson. For most bands, that would be enough, but Mean Streak pushes it to the next level by composing complex, progressive songs in the vein of newer Iron Maiden. Each song on Declaration Of War builds up over time and develops into something more than what it starts as. The intricate details in each track will demand multiple listens for many months to come. Layered guitar work by both Andersson and Patrick Gardberg accompanied by Peter Andersson’s galloping bass lines cement the music firmly in greatness. If you’re a fan of progressive, thrash metal, you are going to love Declaration Of War.
Another notable band to hail from Sweden, Mean Streak is definitely worth checking out. Declaration Of War is an amazing album and one that should catapult Mean Streak into the next stratosphere of metal greatness. If you want to treat yourself to some great music that is simply irresistible, pick up a copy of Declaration Of War.
Notable Tracks: “In For The Kill,” “No Man’s Land,” “Sons Of Metal”
Check out Mean Streak on MySpace!
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
- Declaration Of War
- In For The Kill
- Crimson Sky
- The End Of The Rainbow
- As You Sow You Shall Reap
- No Mans Land
- Brothers Til The End
- Sons Of Metal
- Sign In The Sky
- History Of Lies
- The Oblation
Meanstreak Is:
Andy La Guerin – Vocals
Peter Andersson – Bass
Jonas Kallsback – Drums
David Andersson – Lead Guitar
Patrick Gardberg – Guitar
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