Let’s face it: old-school Heavy Metal sucks. Now that I have your attention, let me tell you that Black Sites is the biggest exception to this rule. Ever since In Monochrome, this band has put out banger after banger, avoiding the common tropes and typical corniness of the genre. Plus, it has its Prog moments! And that never hurts. However, The Promised Land? comes in quietly, maybe because of all the comparisons it’s going to face with other great albums, or maybe because you haven’t done your research and aren’t hyping this band as much as you should. Either way, let’s see if this album delivers!
Black Sites has always excelled at walking the fine line between Heavy, Thrash, and Death Metal like nobody else can. The same is true for The Promised Land?. It’s an album that grabs you by the throat and shouts in your face with excellent… well, everything, honestly. Since Untrue, I was worried that the band would take a softer Rock approach, but I was wrong! The Promised Land? has all those heavy and tasty guitar tones that evoke urban anger. If you’re about to have a road rage incident while trapped in traffic for hours, fear not, because The Promised Land? is what you need to chill out and not end up in jail again.
I’ll admit that The Promised Land? is full of familiar elements if you’ve been through enough ’80s Thrash and 2000s Heavy Metal, but it’s executed so well that I can’t help but have fun. Plus, the mix is pleasant—neither too loud nor too dirty. It has just the right amount of everything for the style. Also, don’t you think that Sugar sounds like every 2000s radio Rock vocalist, with the difference that he’s actually good at it? So yes, imagine if that whole band had spine, malice, and great talent. That’s Black Sites for you, and though they’re not rediscovering fire here, they’re giving us lots of memorable choruses and solos. Awesome, but there’s got to be something to improve, right?
I’ve already hinted that, while I like the direction The Promised Land? has taken, it does feel like we’ve been here before. Aside from that, some trimming could help tracks like “Descent” and “Promised Land” (which, to be fair, was a big risk from the band, so respect!). Black Sites is at its strongest when it stays direct and true to the old heavy formula. It might seem contradictory because, at MER, we appreciate bands that try to evolve and meme the ones that stay the same, but it’s hard to improve something that works so well.
This was an enjoyable ride that mostly delivered what it promised. Though In Monochrome is still my favorite Black Sites album, The Promised Land? is as solid as every previous release from the band. It changes a few things but stays true to Black Sites‘ essence, and that’s hard to achieve. So, congrats, guys!
Label: Self-released
Release date: 6 September, 2024
Website: https://www.facebook.com/blacksites
Country: USA
Score: We’re almost there! Or 3.7/5.0
Metal Eclipse Reviews 