1. Shockwave
2. Shout
3. Warriors Of Time
4. Give Me A Chance
5. Let Me
6. Show Me The Way
7. Enterprise
8. Live Fast Die Young
9. Hit The Lights
10. Black Abyss
11. Light From Above

This album was a rather interesting listen, considering all the media hype that's been surrounding the band since they first got major attention last year as an Ozzfest add on. The comparisons to the likes of classic Metallica, Iron Maiden, and even Megadeth don't necessarily hold true, but the band has many redeeming qualities that have allowed them to sidestep any bullshit hype that the record label publicists can churn out.

For starters, Gabriel's vocals are much more mature than one would expect to hear from a 15 year old. His voice will undoubtedly change over time (much like that of James Hetfield), from his current higher register, but for now it suits the music just fine. He does have decent range, and he utilizes his vocal ability to the fullest, as it changes slightly from one song to the next based on what the song calls for. He goes from sounding like a younger Vince Neil fronting 80's era Motley Crue, to a more gruff style that falls more in line with classic 'Kill Em All' era Metallica.

The music itself is a whole different story. Though they're not exactly blasting out mad thrashing riffs on the level of Rust In Peace era Megadeth, Gabriel (Garcia) and Alex Nuńez have some wicked leadwork going on between the two of them. And it's easy to see that these youngers have been heavily influenced by the likes of Kirk Hammett, and the legendary Dimebag Darrel, amongst others. It's in the leadwork that both of them truly get to shine.

The foundation of each song is held down by bassist Zachary "Zakk" Sandler and drummer Steven Spence. While the rhythms aren't entirely complex by any means, they're leaps and bounds ahead of some ultra simplistic three chord punk with 2/4 timing, which would be more typical of those in this band's overall age bracket to be playing. Add to that the fact that Zakk and Steven also contribute with backing vocals, and it's easy to see that despite their age, these youngsters are rather well versed in their respective instruments. From the epic opening of "Warriors Of Time" to the dead on cover of the Metallica classic "Hit The Lights", these guys are doing all they can to make sure they live up to as much of the hype as possible.

This album's only downfall may be in the lyrical department, as there are times where you can simply tell that it's something only a teenager would write. "I"m a shockwave and I'll take your fuckin life", though extremely catchy within the context of the song, is proof enough of that. "Live Fast Die Young" is another example. Though the latter falls back into the 80's era Motley Crue sound and style, lyrically, only lesser 80's hair bands and maybe a band like the long defunct teenage band Bad4Good would have had such adolescent lyrical content.

What saves Black Tide is not so much their age, although that is a huge factor in and of itself......but what really saves them is in the fact that they're not playing into any of the current trends within the rock and metal genres. They may have a sound that is reminiscent of early 80's Metallica at random times, and they may have the classic 80's thrash look to them (select members anyway), but they're not busting out with some retro-thrash bullshit that seems to be the flavor of the year again amongst the younger metal crowds. Similarly, they're not playing into the bullshit fashion sense of the emo scene, or the brutality of the current deathcore via metalcore scene, both of which have been beaten beyond death and then some. Black Tide are carving out their own personal little path, which is poised to quickly overcome any of the aforementioned trends within those smaller scenes. Scene kids and trend hopping bands best start taking notes.

All in all, 'Light From Above' is a top notch hard rock album with a precision metal edge to it. It could have been done better, but it is what it is. Fortunately, they're just getting started, and they've got plenty of time to grow as musicians and lyricists, so they can come back with the album they're more than capable of making.