Reviewed by Ian Webber

Hailing from San Antonio, Texas, this four piece outfit started their career as the tribute band Fozzy Osborne. With this their latest release, Fozzy have not strayed too far from their musical roots, as the band serve up a generous slab of old school metal. Chunky guitars chop their way through classic southern groove metal riffs, whilst Chris Jericho's powerful vocals soar over a tight rhythm section. The album opens with the standout "Under Blackened Skies". The impressive jackhammer drumming lifts this track above the rest, providing variety in what at times is an album that clings to too many rock clichés. Having said this the sing along choruses with their tight harmonies are catchy, well produced and musically tight. Examples include "Martyr No More" and the meaty "God Pounds His Nails". The album closes with the apocalyptic "Wormwood" which clocks in at around 14 minutes and brings to mind '70s prog rock epics. With 'Chasing The Grail', Fozzy have produced the equivalent of an old pair of slippers. The sound, whilst offering very little that is new, is so comfortably familiar you start to sing along and forget any weaknesses, making this an enjoyable listen.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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