Roadkill
Merlin

December 2006
Released: 2005, Self Released
Rating: 3.0/5
Reviewer: MetalChick

Roadkill – a simple band name for a simple metal band. There's no flashiness, no complexity – just the very basics of what metal is made of: heavy, distorted, crunchy guitar rhythms. Hailing from the Netherlands, Roadkill released MERLIN, their first full-length album, after many years of just participating in compilation CDs. In the vein of classic Judas Priest, and even sometimes briefly touching on the style of Iced Earth’s NIGHT OF THE STORMRIDER, the unpolished production of Merlin actually doesn't harm the music.



Here we have the most basic of songwriting: riffs that any guitarist could write and play with ease, simple melody licks that don’t take a whole lot of creativity. About five minutes into the title track, the guitarist plays the same note over and over for the remainder of the song. That's not to say these guys aren't good musicians. This is their style. At least the vocals have a bit of variety. One minute he's your average clean singer, and the next he's rough like James Hetfield. A lot like James Hetfield.



For someone who craves complexity and flashiness, (i.e. me), there isn't much offered here to grasp onto. Granted, sometimes simplicity is better than virtuosity, but it's going to take a fan strictly of the former to enjoy Roadkill.