Rating: Supergroup compilations can be hit and miss, and although many metal fans in 2015 like to lambaste anyone who isn't pushing the envelope as far as possible, that can make it far too easy to forget how enjoyable the most base staples of the genre can truly be. Blisteringly-fast guitar solos, a solid mix of clean and aggressive vocals, thunderous and intricate drum patterns powering everything - it's clear when the Metal Allegiance project came together (comprised of everyone from Lamb of God's Randy Blythe to Dream Theatre's Mike Portnoy, Pantera's Phil Anselmo and more), they simply wanted to put out a record that would speak to the times, whilst also emitting a timeless quality itself. Each song features the same core setup of Testament's Alex Skolnick on lead guitar and Portnoy on drums (with Megadeth's Dave Ellefson on bass for the majority), but from there on out it's a smorgasbord of icons filling in on additional shredding duties, whilst others provide their respective signature vocal traits. The whole piece comes together remarkably well, and unlike Roadrunner United's scattershot approach to songwriting on their own Roadrunner United (itself having a few standout tracks, and one HELL of a guitar solo on In The Fire), MA as a body of work is far more cohesive. That said, with the sheer amount of legendary metal figures present and correct, there's something for everyone - and part of the fun is seeing just how many unexpected people have come together for such a momentous occasion.
