Admittedly, I don't review a lot of metal albums. However, when I had the opportunity to review this album, I gladly accepted it for one simple reason. Robot Lords of Tokyo is mentioned in a Clutch song. I figured if this band from Columbus, Ohio, gets an endorsement from Clutch, it must be pretty worthwhile.And it is. The album begins with a clip from War of the Worlds and then launches unto "The Mergatroid." It's a pretty solid way to begin the album because it gives you an idea of what's in store for the rest of the album. Like any good metal album, this one features some shredding guitars, and also the same sort of groove you get from a Clutch tune. While the guitars definitely grab the attention, RLOT is not all about the guitar. "Bring it on Down" features some really cool Hammond organ. The song also has some pretty thought-provoking lyrics.
"Oh the newsmen say / a thousand died today. / Turn on your TV / and join mediocrity." That's saying a mouthful.
The band follows "Bring it on Down" with "Deathwagon." If it's a guitar display you're looking for, you might want to put this song on repeat. In fact, if you are looking for a display of the band's wicked guitar skills, you might spend a lot of time listening to not only "Deathwagon," but also "Shadows and Blood" and "Burn the Sky." The rock just keeps coming with "Shadows and Blood." If the opening of this song doesn't get your head moving, you might want to check your vital signs.
This album includes 10 songs that quite simply rock. These songs will make you want to move your head and pump your fist. The musicians show some awesome chops and have some pretty thought-provoking lyrics to go with them. Quite frankly, Robot Lords of Tokyo is a metal band for people who are not "metalheads." If you've given up and think there are no bands that really rock, think again and check out this album.
