"Legends Never Die, But Sometimes They Need to" is the latest release from the metal outfit All For Metal, and while it doesn't break any new ground, it's certainly a fun listen—if you approach it with the right mindset. The album embraces the over-the-top, theatrical nature of metal, offering simple yet entertaining tunes that don't take themselves too seriously.
At its core, this album is a celebration of the genre's larger-than-life energy, filled with explosive riffs, dramatic solos, and bold vocal performances. The dual vocalists bring a nice balance to the tracks, with each offering something distinct. The high vocalist shines with his ability to shift between different styles, delivering his lines with variety and flair. However, the lower-voiced counterpart lacks the same range and occasionally sounds more like talking than actual singing, which can be a bit jarring and detracts from the overall experience. There’s room for improvement in the depth and versatility of the lower vocals, as they tend to feel static in comparison.
The drums, while competent, are mostly straightforward and don’t particularly stand out. They follow a fairly simple rhythm pattern throughout, without much complexity or flair. While they get the job done, they’re not a focal point of the album, and at times, they feel a little buried in the mix. On the other hand, the bass is a more noticeable highlight. When it comes through, it adds a nice weight and depth to the songs, enhancing the overall foundation and giving the tracks a solid backbone.
The real star of this album is the guitar work. The guitars are well-tuned, full of energy, and packed with fun solos that inject life into every song. The riffs are solid, and the solos stand out as the most impressive aspect of the entire record, adding a sense of excitement and passion that helps elevate the album.
The production quality is another strong point—everything is clean, polished, and crisp. At times, however, this can make the music feel a bit too sterile, with an almost clinical perfection that robs the songs of any raw, unpolished energy. This is an album that’s clearly been fine-tuned to perfection, but in doing so, it sometimes feels as though it lacks the imperfections that make metal so alive and unpredictable.
Overall, "Legends Never Die, But Sometimes They Need to" is a fun, straightforward metal album. It’s not reinventing the wheel or pushing boundaries, but it doesn’t need to. The band seems to know exactly what they’re doing—embracing the silliness and excess of metal and having fun with it. If you’re in the mood for an album that doesn’t demand too much from you, but offers a solid, enjoyable ride, this one fits the bill.
RATING: 6/10
NOTIABLE TRACKS:
Goddess Of War
Mountain Of Power
The Day Of Hammerfall