Search - Zeke :: Death Alley

Zeke Rules, OK?!

11/03/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The much-anticipated "Death Alley" is, in the opinion of this 6 year Zeke fan, the finest Zeke album yet. Not since "Flat Tracker" have they captured the essence and power of Zeke so well in a recording. The songs here incorporate a new-found metal influence that adds harmony guitars, lyrics about Satan and horror movies, and even more guitar solos to the songs. Visions of vintage Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Slayer, and Venom come to mind when listening to this album. Now that's not to say that they aren't the same old Zeke we all know and love. There's still that 1,000mph whirlwind of motorcycles and rock n' roll that has always defined Zeke. It's more like they just re-discovered some old records that had been collecting dust and decided to let it show on this album.Stand-out tracks include rippers such as "Crossroads," "Jack Torrance," "Evil Dead," "Arkansas Man," "Mountain Man," "The River," "Night Rider," "Into the Night," "On the Run," "Road Ahead," "Eyes of Satan," and "Death Alley." Yes, I know that's most of the track list! Zeke venture into some new territory with the slower (for Zeke) paced metal tune "Evil Woman" and the flat out rocker "Road Ahead." These songs show a new found maturity and adventurous spirit in a band that has often been accused of being a one trick pony. Of course I should mention the performances of the band members themselves: Mark of the Beast (aka Marky Felchtone) has toned down the screaming from "Dirty Sanchez" and is back to his older style of "singing" and his guitar solos are crazier than ever; Abe "Sonny" Zanuel Riggs III pulls out some leads, too and riffs like a man possesed; Donny Paycheck somehow plays faster than he has in the past, and shows that he's learned a few new moves, too; Diamond Jeff Matz, the latest addition to Zeke, proves to be the most worthy successor to the Zeke bass throne and his influence and playing have definitely helped to usher in the best and most creative line-up in Zeke's almost 10 year history. If you've ever been a fan of Zeke in the past, do yourself a favor and pick up "Death Alley." You won't be disappointed."

Zeke's newest and best

Thgew | CA | 02/26/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Blazing riffs, machine-gun drumming, screaming mad vocals... everything a truely great punk record should be made of. Tracks such as "Nightrider" and "Crossroads" show Zeke as a progressive outfit exploring new grounds with speed-metalish melodies and solos, whereas "Live Wire", "Eyes of Satan", and "Mountain Man" (among others) are reminiscent of the devastatingly headbangable likes of earlier Zeke albums.Only two minor complaints: 1) Zeke really need to make longer albums, and 2) I liked Blind Marky's more raspy tone of voice he had on "Dirty Sanchez". He takes a slightly smoother approach here.This isn't to say the album doesn't render weakling wannabe punk groups like Blink 182 and Good Charlotte utterly worthless, because it does. Buy it and rock on."

UNREAL

M. Michel | tampa, Florida United States | 06/19/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"THIS CD IS AMAZING. AFTER THINKING REIGN IN BLOOD WAS THE ULTIMATE IN THRASH, I STAND CORRECTED.THIS AINT PUNK!THIS CD IS SICK.THERE`S NO RIDICULOUS MAKE UP. NO SNARLS .NO FAKERY. IF YOU CANT FIGURE OUT THAT ZEKE IS ACTUALLY 4 DEVILS PLAYING THESE INSTUMENTS.WELL THEN GO ROCK OUT WITH metallica or bon jovi since they BOTH BASICALLY SOUND THE SAME.IF YOU ARE ASSOCIATED WITH ANY OF THESE POSER BANDS DO YOURSELF A FAVOR DONT LISTEN TO ZEKE'''''YOU WILL BE EMBARASSED!!!!!!ALL HAIL THE NEW KINGS OF MAYHEM '''''ZEKE!!!!!!!!"