SULLVATION is the project put together by Chicago area-based bassist Brent Sullivan. He brought it some great players from around the region including drummer Chuck White, who played in the underrated Prog Metal band ION VEIN. Tim “Ripper” Owens makes an appearance as does former MANOWAR guitarist David Shankle. I’ve put a complete list of guests at the bottom to check out.
Despite all the appearances, somehow Sullivan has made this a very cohesive sounding album that sounds like band who’s been together for decades. Perhaps the fact that the rhythm section of Sullivan and White know each other so well, it gave the songs a solid backbone.
I’ve heard many of these albums that feature a bunch of guest musicians, and rarely do that ever live up to expectations. However, SULLVATION not only lives up, but blows away what I expected. This is a masterpiece of Power/Prog Metal that not only gives a nod to the old school, it also looks forward with some interesting modern elements. I could sit here all day and make comparisons, but that wouldn’t even really do the album justice.
Sullivan is a monster bassist who keeps it interesting and still provides that driving force behind the songs. White is equally as powerful on drums too, they really put much of the album into the “Progressive Metal” category. Of course the song-writing and structure have a lot to do with that as well, but you need that rhythm section that can pull it off. “Invasion” is a cut that really brought their abilities to life, but you hear it throughout the album.
There’s some more straight-forward material too of course, “We Come In Peace” was a stand out anthem with some blistering guitar solos. “Screaming In Silence” is a solid mid-tempo track with some progressive tendencies that features Ripper Owens taking the lead vocals. “We Become” and “What You Don’t Know” are also stand out cuts in my opinion. As a Christian, I appreciated them tackling the subject matter of “Desolation Of Abomination”. It was last track on the album, very epic, very progressive and probably not for everyone, but it was an interesting track for sure.
Bottom line, I’ve been a Power/Prog fan for decades, even though music is very subjective, I can usually tell pretty quickly the quality of an album. There’s been a lot of work put into this album by some very talented people. Of course this style isn’t “musically correct” here in the States, but in many parts of the world they appreciate the more traditional Metal. Hopefully this album gets the exposure it deserves.
Follow the band at these links:
https://sullvation.bandcamp.com/album/the-beginning-of-the-end
https://www.facebook.com/SullvationMusic/
SULLVATION BIO:
Chicago’s SULLVATION is an explosive solo album from bassist, Brent Sullivan, who co-founded legendary underground bands Slauter Xstroyes, Winter Kill, and Mindwarp Chamber. Sullivan’s writing and musical style takes listeners on a journey from power to progressive metal, captivating all with an old school feel and modern-day touch. Notes from iconic bands reminiscent of Judas Priest, Metal Church and even Slayer ring throughout. Joining Sullivan is long-time friend and former bandmate Chuck White (ex-Ion Vein and more).
Sullivan recruited some of his favorite local Chicagoland musicians, assembling a small tribute to local talent. Treating metal fans to a variety of strong melodic vocal performances the album soars with talented metal singers including the infamous Tim “Ripper” Owens adding a special treat between tours. Amazing local lead guitarists add twists of metal, from previous bands and new collaborations featuring the shred master himself, David Shankle (ex Manowar).
Vocalist featured: Tim “Ripper Owens (Ripper, Judas Priest, KK Priest, Beyond Fear), Taran DePablos (Midnight Calls, Maiden Chicago, Fierce Atmospheres), Lothar Keller (Sacred Dawn, Legions of Doom, Divinity Compromised), Kevin Truell (Transgressor, Firestorm), Bill Swanson (Middle Raged), Scott Huffman (Mindwarp Chamber, Syris), Ray Smith, Steve Reimer (Slauter Xstroyes)
Lead Guitar Guests: Jeff Tredwell (Divinity Compromised), Gary Bernal (Block Party), David “Shred Demon” Shankle (EX-Manowar/DSG/Feanor/GraveReign/Wings of Destiny), Jim Tomaszewski (Eleven), Briant Daniel, Ken Mandat (Witch Slayer, Damien Thorne), Paul Kratky (Slauter Xstroyes, Reflexicon) and Eric Gosselin (Fierce Atmospheres)