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Battagia - Cockroach Meat

Battagia - Cockroach Meat
Released: 2001
Label: Independent
Cat. No.:
Total Time: 28:54

Reviewed by: Bjørnar Bevolden, May 2003
Here is another up and coming band from Finland. The Finns have produced a number of interesting unsigned acts lately (more reviews on the way) and with the continuing successes of Stratovarius and Sonata Arctica, the Finnish metal scene is alive more than ever. Battagia however is neither as fast-paced nor heavy as aforementioned bands but find themselves akin more to the 80s styled, sleazy hard rock.

In a nutshell, think early Skid Row, Gotthard, and Kix etc. The music excels with some very nice, catchy riffing which is the driving force of the music. Fronted by vocalist Sami Liimatainen the band have a decent singer although he has a raw, unpolished voice which might put some people off. I needed some time to get used to his tone. He is occasionally off-key but that is hard to notice. Nevertheless he does a pretty good job. The material is for the most part very good. Songs like "Suicide City," "Sweet Darling Underground" and "Face The Wall" are prime examples of well crafted hard rock songs and it is difficult to sit still listening to those songs. However, the album doesn't quite have the longevity to keep it going. The first half is definitely the best with the latter part of the album proving above average at best. For an independent release, the production is rather impressive indeed - it has depth, punch and balance. This could just as well have been released on any major AOR/hard rock label these days.

Battagia should be quite close to getting a deal. With a few more knock outs like the abovementioned songs they should be closing a deal in the near future. It is not very original what Battagia do, but they do it well and deserve credit for that. Not a must, but definitely satisfying stuff for hard rock lovers.

Similar To: Skid Row, Gotthard, Kix

PPO Rating: 6/10

[This review originally appeared at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.]

More about Cockroach Meat:

Track Listing: Suicide City (4:27) / Sweet Darling Underground (4:42) / Face To The Wall (3:54) / Can't Get My Love (5:06) / Bang na Chang (0:34) / Wall Of Women (5:40) / Blind In Texas (4:31)

Musicians:
Sami Liimatainen - vocals

Contact:

Website: www.battagia.com
Note: will open new browser window

Discography

Cockroach Meat (2001)
Hell Just Froze Over (2003)

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© Copyright 2004 ProgressiveWorld.net/Bjørnar Bevolden

	Battagia - Cockroach Meat
	Released: 2001 Label: Independent Cat. No.: Total Time: 28:54
	Reviewed by: Bjørnar Bevolden, May 2003 Here is another up and coming band from Finland. The Finns have produced a number of interesting unsigned acts lately (more reviews on the way) and with the continuing successes of Stratovarius and Sonata Arctica, the Finnish metal scene is alive more than ever. Battagia however is neither as fast-paced nor heavy as aforementioned bands but find themselves akin more to the 80s styled, sleazy hard rock. In a nutshell, think early Skid Row, Gotthard, and Kix etc. The music excels with some very nice, catchy riffing which is the driving force of the music. Fronted by vocalist Sami Liimatainen the band have a decent singer although he has a raw, unpolished voice which might put some people off. I needed some time to get used to his tone. He is occasionally off-key but that is hard to notice. Nevertheless he does a pretty good job. The material is for the most part very good. Songs like "Suicide City," "Sweet Darling Underground" and "Face The Wall" are prime examples of well crafted hard rock songs and it is difficult to sit still listening to those songs. However, the album doesn't quite have the longevity to keep it going. The first half is definitely the best with the latter part of the album proving above average at best. For an independent release, the production is rather impressive indeed - it has depth, punch and balance. This could just as well have been released on any major AOR/hard rock label these days. Battagia should be quite close to getting a deal. With a few more knock outs like the abovementioned songs they should be closing a deal in the near future. It is not very original what Battagia do, but they do it well and deserve credit for that. Not a must, but definitely satisfying stuff for hard rock lovers. Similar To: Skid Row, Gotthard, Kix PPO Rating: 6/10 [This review originally appeared at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.] More about Cockroach Meat: Track Listing: Suicide City (4:27) / Sweet Darling Underground (4:42) / Face To The Wall (3:54) / Can't Get My Love (5:06) / Bang na Chang (0:34) / Wall Of Women (5:40) / Blind In Texas (4:31) Musicians: Sami Liimatainen - vocals Contact: Website: www.battagia.com Note: will open new browser window Discography Cockroach Meat (2001) Hell Just Froze Over (2003)
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