All That Remains - Fozzy > Reviews > The time is right to make a change

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Groundbreaking
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	10 fantastic tracks
Disadvantages:	Haaaaaaaaa there aren't any !

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Fozzy…. We are huge Rockstars… or so the tagline at fozzyrock.com says…..

But are they? Can Fozzy cut it as a band, release a completely original album and live up to all the expectations?

Put simply…. YES, indeed they can!

All That Remains, released in January 2005 is, in fact Fozzy’s third album. Boasting ten original songs, several high profile guests and dabbling in a few genres, this album lives up to the promise that their second album “Happenstance” hinted at.

But from Chris Jericho, Rich Ward and the rest of Fozzy, you couldn’t expect anything less!

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[Brief history!

As Fozzy aren’t very well known here in the UK (but this is DEFINITELY about to change) then it’s best that I give a quick history of the band.

Rich Ward (of Stuck Mojo) and WWE wrestler Chris Jericho came up with the concept of Fozzy! Starting off as a kick-ass cover band, their first album in 2000, entitled “Fozzy” had covers of great metal classics from the likes of Judas Priest and as well as a couple of original tracks. 2002 saw the worldwide release of Happenstance which boasted five originals which easily stood alongside the cover songs and, for many, were definitely the highlights on the album. This prompted Fozzy to drop their gimmick, forget about covering other people’s songs and record a completely original album……

And thus All That Remains was born!

Over the years, the Fozzy line-up has changed slightly but currently it consists of Chris Jericho (lead vocals), Rich Ward (guitar, vocals), Frank Fontsere (drums), Sean Delson (bass guitar), Ryan Mallum (guitar on this album but has since been replaced by Mike Martin)]

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The tracks:

#1 Nameless Faceless

“Through it all he hearts of men grow colder
Numb to the world as the cowards get bolder”

A fantastic opener for the album, Nameless Faceless continues where the previous album “Happenstance” left off and reinforces the Fozzy style that was hinted at in their previous original material.

Setting the high standard that the rest of the album has to follow, this song does not disappoint. Strong vocals, kicking guitars and high energy leaves you wanting more!

#2 Enemy

“You’re my enemy
All that we had has gone away
There are times that fade away
But you’ll still be my enemy”

Perhaps one of the most catchy tracks on the album, Enemy has an infectious chorus that just gets into your head and stays there.

As such, it has appeal to a wide audience and was the first “single” from ATR with an intriguing video which has been shown on various MTV channels around the world.

Chris’ vocals combined with a softer beat, not to mention amazing guitar work and a chance to hear Rich air his vocal talents, makes this without a doubt, a fan favourite!!

#3 Wanderlust

“Never satisfied to stand in line
Wasting my mind”

Starting off slowly, this builds up to a meaningful song with an edgier sound than the previous one but progressing to a softer melody.

This track also sees the guys team up with Zakk Wylde, (Ozzy, Black Label Society) who rounds the song off with a fantastic solo!

# 4 All That Remains

“And all that remains
Are the scars to remind me
And all the lives I’ve thrown away”

The title track, as with the previous album Happenstance, does not disappoint.

“All That Remains” starts off slowly and softly and builds up to an infectious chorus that, along with “Enemy”, you’ll find goes through your head over and over.

Meaningful and almost poignant lyrics show a different aspect to the band and proves how versatile they can be. Jericho’s vocals are smooth and polished and I feel that this song would have wide appeal to a variety of audiences and would prove popular if released.

#5 The Test

“In my life I search for truth
What am I supposed to do?”

Written a few years ago, some people may have heard an early demo/recording of this from Rich’s “Sick Speed” (for those of you lucky enough to get a hold of their material).

I’m pleased to say that the re-recording by Fozzy has not lost the raw energy and appeal from the earlier version.

Contrasting vocals and a heavier sound that a few of the other tracks make this one of my favourites from the album.

The Test just rocks!

#6 It’s a Lie

“Make decisions through the night
Proven wrong but claim they’re right”

Whoa!

This track took me completely by surprise!

On my first play of the album, I had to play this one again as there was something so indescribable about this that I had to hear again…. and again... before I could continue listening to the rest of the album.

Guest Bonecrusher lays down some fantastic raps and female vocalist Allison Irby is a remarkable and welcome addition to a track that really stands out!

The amalgamation of rap metal, Rich’s top notch guitar solo and soft vocals from Chris make this my current favourite from the whole album!

#7 Daze of the Weak

“Walk in a daze
And weak with pain
Carry me back to life again”

For me, to follow “It’s A Lie” would have to take a strong track to keep up the energy and high standard that the album has followed thus far.

But a slight change in tempo, meaningful lyrics and a play on words make Daze of the Weak a good one to follow the previous track.

Oh yeah and Rich Ward and Ryan Mallam’s guitar work on this track really rocks!

#8 The Way I am

“Now and then I feel incomplete
But I won’t live my life in defeat”

Usually by the time it comes to the last few songs on an album, the best tracks have long since gone. But not with “The Way I Am”, another Sick Speed song which has been given a Fozzy makeover.

Again sticking very close Rich’s original early recording, but sounding a little more polished, “The Way I am” is another of my favourites. (Yes I know that I say that about nearly every track but it’s just so hard to choose what my absolute favourite one is!!)

And if the song itself wasn’t good enough for you then Mark Tremonti (of Alter Bridge) guests with a kick ass guitar solo!

#9 Lazarus

“When the truth turns to lie
And the pain makes you cry”

Nearing the end of the album, Fozzy have chosen to save a couple of their heavier tracks for last.

I have to admit that I had to listen to this one a couple of times before I really got into it but I don’t honestly know why that was because now I love it!

Although the change in pace makes it a bit edgier than a few of the tracks on ATR, it follows the rest of the others well.

#10 Born of Anger

“Blinded by the rage that burns in me
Born of anger
Driving me insane I can break free”

Marty Friedman (Megadeath) guests on this track and it certainly makes All That Remains go out with a bang!

Some have said that the track sounds out of place and, granted, it is a bit different to the previous tracks on the album but I would say that it most definitely has a place on ATR.

Yeah it is a bit heavier than what we’ve heard before but allows the guys to show that they can effortlessly move from genre to genre and still retain the Fozzy sound.

Not everyone’s cup of tea, but I think it rocks!

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And that’s All That Remains – easily the best Fozzy album yet! Somehow they’ve put together a ten track album without any weak songs which is an incredible feat by anyone’s standards. Granted, there are some songs (“It’s A Lie” and “The Way I Am”) that I would class as my favourites but this album goes right in my cd player and plays from track one to ten with no skipping.

And there aren’t many albums that I do that with!

The guys have done a great job on this and deserve a lot more recognition for it both here in the UK and around the world.

Forget any pre-conceived ideas you may have had about Chris Jericho – yes he can sing and does it damn well and Rich Ward is just amazing (His Kung Fu is Good!). Together with the rest of the guys, they have produced an amazing album that I cannot recommend highly enough!

The only problem you might have is finding it in the shops! It is available online at most music retailers including Amazon.co.uk and Play.com. Various music stores are now stocking it including HMV and some branches of MVC and Virgin.

You can also visit fozzyrock.com to hear samples of each track and then you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about!

Remember……… they are huge rockstars!!

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