Tag: Mean Streak
0 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
0 New Video – Mean Streak – Rockcity
Check out the new video, “Rockcity” by Mean Streak! This song is on Mean Streak’s new album, Declaration of War.
0 New Video – Mean Streak – In For the Kill
Sweden’s Mean Streak is set to release their sophomore effort, Declaration of War on January 28th. You can check out the first single, and video, “In For the Kill” below!
0 Mean Streak – Metal Slave (2009)
Swedish rockers Mean Streak released their debut CD, Metal Slave via Black Lodge Records in 2009. Mean Streak tapped into their NWOBHM influences to create a classic metal CD that kicks some major ass. Metal Slave is packed full of awesome vocals, and heavy guitar riffs that should easily please the masses.
I was immediately hooked with the opening riffs of “Whom The Gods Love Die Young”, and couldn’t stop listening to Metal Slave until the very end. Where on earth has Andy La Guerin been hiding? This guy has an excellent metal voice, and is one of the reasons why I find Metal Slave so fantastic. Guitarist Yngve Frank, who lays down some incredible riffs on this CD, is equally impressive.
Mean Streak has a sound that I believe is a cool mix of Judas Priest, Victory and a dabble of Iron Maiden. What the band lacks in originality, they more than make up for it, with their passion for this music, and it shows on Metal Slave.
Some of the highlights on this CD, are the tunes, “Eyes of the Stranger”,”Rock City”, and the title track “Metal Slave”. I truly enjoyed this CD, and I think you will too. You can listen to Metal Slave at myspace music, at this link. For more information on Mean Streak, please visit the band’s myspace page.
Don’t miss out on one of the better rock records of 2009!
Rating: Out of 10
Track Listing:
01. Whom The Gods Love Die Young
02. Battle Within
03. Eyes Of A Stranger
04. The Seventh Sign
05. Raise Your Hands
06. Rock City
07. Sin City Lights
08. Carved In Stone
09. Metal Slave
10. Sinner n´Saints
Mean Streak is:
Peter Anderson – Bass
Andy La Guerin – Vocals & Guitar
Yngve Frank – Guitar
Jonas Källsbäck – Drums
