Search - Strung Out :: Blackhawks Over Los Angeles

A slow ride to iron maiden's ville?

Jeff Horwat | Boston, MA USA | 07/08/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"i've been a huge fan of strung out since their first album and watched the band progress past a all the other fat wreck chords stuff that seems to all sound the same. it might be fair to say that the band's pseudo apex might have been twisted by design which combined strong guitar work and amazingly heartfelt lyrics that cut into the core of the human condition, and since there seems to be more emphasis on being a metal band than being the unclassifiable genius of twisted by design. i will defend the new ablum and their departure to a melodic metalesque punk fusion by recognizing the strength and beauty that has surfaced in the past two ablums. Exile and Blackhawks are consistently strong almost metal albums which have tons of hooks and guitar solos that could rival dragonforce on a slow day. musically these albums are strong as hell, lyrically though i miss the old days of subterranian and twisted. as a loyal fan i'll continue to listen and appreciate their direction even if its a departure of what i knew and loved."

An amazing album by an even more amazing band!

J. Arnold | Michigan | 06/08/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Let's get one thing straight. I said this was an amazing album. By no means is it their best. It will just simply hold a truth that Strung Out is one of the greatest punk bands to ever exist.



What makes Blackhawks Over Los Ageles so different is that Jake Kiley (the Guitarist) and Chris Aiken (the Bassist) switched roles during the recording process. For those of you that don't get it, Chris wrote guitar parts for Jake and Jake wrote bass parts for Chris. It gave this particular album a different edge while still retaining their signature sound.



Now, after eight prior albums and an EP, they've come a long way and sculpted their sound out of stone (Much like the band CKY; Their sound is unmistakable, as well). Any time you here Strung Out's music, you will know that somebody is playing it near you...and now its time to MOSH!



For those lucky enough to order the Pre-Sale package, with the CD came a bonus track: "More than Words". As of yet, I'm unsure if future CDs will have this bonus track. Also included in the package was a T-Shirt with their Album Logo, and under it the words "Strung Out Till Death" are found.



In 13 tracks (or 12), Strung Out puts a fist in the face of anyone who thought they were out of ideas. They've surprised a few devoted fans with a new twist, but kept that "Strung Out" sound that we all love and need in our lives...for better or for worse."

Another amazing Strung Out record

S. | 06/09/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you liked Exile in Oblivion, then you will probably like Blackhawks Over Los Angeles as well. BoLA has the similiar punk/metal fusion that began in earnest on The Element of Sonic Defiance and fully embraced on EiO. They do utilize the pop-punk elements of their past a little bit more on this new one and overall I don't think its quite as good, but it still blew me away.



There isn't a weak song on here, but there are a few standouts. "Calling" reminds me of "Analog", both because it sounds similiar and because it was released before the record itself and I listened to it at least a hundred times before buying it. "Downtown" has some heavier guitar parts and some excellent soloing, in addition to brilliant lyrics. Jason never has to beat you over the head with a concept to make a point or provoke emotion. The song "Letter Home" is probably the clearest song lyrically, lacking Jason's usual metaphors . Its supposed to be a soldier's letter home and it tells a sad story without becoming a cliche rant against war. "Party in the Hills" is another standout, as is "King Has Left the Building". "Diver" brings the record to an excellent, if melancholy, close.



So even though I didn't enjoy it quite as much as I did EiO, BoLA is still incredible. It continues Strung Out's tradition of creativity, in terms of both Jason's lyrics and the music. Definately the best release in 2007 thus far, and I think its unlikely it will be surpassed. Whether you're a die hard Strung Out fan or have never heard of them, this is highly recommended!"