Stygian

There is a fine line between being inspired by your favourite band and blatantly ripping them off. Stygian's vocalist, Frank Leary, needs to seriously consider toning down his adoration for James Hetfield, because upon first listen to the Philadelphia, PA band's second full-length, Fury Rising, I thought I was listening to rough demos from Metallica's Load. Another piece of advice from the peanut gallery: If you want to sound like Hetfield, fine, but for the love of God make the music somewhat original. It's also difficult to review an album with tired, clichéd lyrics like: "This is my regret/the one that I've got left/that I never thought you through/and now I must say this is my song for you." Fury Rising is a collection of radio-friendly hard rock for Nickelback fans that weren't alive during Metallica's glory years. Either give it up and become a tribute band or find your own voice.