BLACK TIDE and their success of their debut release “Light from Above” back in 2008 brought the young band fame selling over ten thousand copies in the first week of release. They had a chance to play the annual Ozzfest alongside bands like LAMB OF GOD, AVENGED SEVENFOLD, LORDI and Ozzy himself. These guys started a huge stir bringing back heavy riffs that were reminiscent of the old thrash days.

It’s three years later and their sophomore release is upon us titled “Post Mortem”. Early word is BLACK TIDE went soft and turned into the Madonna’s of the metal world. So let’s check out the new disc.

 The opening track “Ashes” features special guest Matthew Tuck of BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE and to tell you the truth I really don’t hear that much of a change with the band’s sound. The tone is raw and heavy duty metal is just like before. I can only guess since Gabriel Garcia cut his hair that most people are going by the change in look and thinking the band has softened up and that’s not the case. Overall, I feel the songs are a little more radio friendly but still bring the levels up..

“Let It Out” is a killer track maybe a bit of a softer side of BLACK TIDE but I think the change is for the better. Come to think of it didn’t they say the same thing about METALLICA that they sold out but did fans stick by them making them one of the top bands worldwide? Sure as shit they did! Even on “Let It Out” you can hear these guys have that staying power so don’t shun these guys because they are powerful and will be an entity in music for years to come… When a band like BLACK TIDE has diversity and shoves the metal up your ass and at the same time draw from a variety of genres’ with their sound, then they struck gold.

Listen to that madman on the drums, Steven Spence, on “Honest Eyes” and the screaming guitar of Gabriel Garcia; these guys are a force. “That Fire” is the third single off Post Mortem which has a catchy chorus and slicing guitar and it understandably deserves to be a single even though I do like “Let It Out” as my highlight track.

“Fight 'Til The Bitter End” starts off with the shining midsection of bass master Zakk Sandler and drummer Steven Spence and as I mentioned before another killer song that jumps the tracks of the traditional sound of BLACK TIDE but some of those slamming solos by Garcia are flat out addictive.

Just listening to Gabriel Garcia vocals on “Lost in the Sound” you can hear the change in vocal styles from “Light from Above”. BLACK TIDE has matured and moved to a higher plateau with the background harmonies adding that perfect touch.

“Walking Dead Man” is just a whoop-ass metal track. If Garcia kept his long hair you would be saying he’s the man. Well guess what? He is the man with long or short hair and this track is killer.

Ok if you want to say something about any song “Into the Sky” is surely a big change for the band. I actually like it as it shows a sentimental side to a metal band and I like the acoustic sounds. I’m sure lyrically this song has great meaning to many. And when the music elevates it gives you a spiritual feel.