Cradle to Grave

There's a bit of an off-kilter methodology to the recurring waves of throwback metal that, at times, makes us confused as to what we're listening to. Made possible due to the Timbaland of thrash, Devin Townsend, Cradle to Grave's sophomore effort is the newest of old school. Texas Medicine has all the well-blended elements of the power metal and thrash you love but with a contemporary sound owing to a particularly punishing modern drum sound and Townsend's weird way of making his way through a mix. The band keep the pace throughout Texas Medicine, except for a couple of brief deviations to the world of ill-advised acoustic ballads, such as "Daughters," in which an entire track is dedicated to a washy, off-time bout of sensitive guitar meandering. Despite this, Texas Medicine has the potential to be a favourite with long-time head-bangers, with a huge, driving sound not unlike the metal gods of old.