### Ross The Boss: New metal leader

#### 02/12/08 || Euthanatos

Everyone knows Ross the Boss. Even if you don’t care for Manowar, you know he played with them, and that he was also one of the Dictators. So what is Ross the Boss doing here, after playing with Manowar on that ridiculously long DVD? He’s back with a vengeance, with an album that’s much better than Manowar’s latest crapfest, that’s what! And I have to say I’m legitimately surprised at this album. “New Metal Leader” is power metal just the way I like it. It’s cheesy, it’s aggressive, it’s fun, it’s never annoying or pretentious, it’s cocky, but just at the right amount.

Having Patrick Fuchs on vocals also helps a lot. The guy’s hoarse melodic vocals are perfect for the job, somewhere along the lines of Johnny Gioeli and Rob Rock. Of course, this is only Ross’s first stretch as a “solo” artist, and having to take everything on in terms of song writing obviously has its toll. Not everything is peachy fantastic, but there are some real rockers here, like “Blood of Knives”, “Death & Glory”. “God of Dying” and the amazing “Matador”, my favorite.

So, granted, this isn’t the most amazing album out there, but with power metal being in such dire need of good moments, since even the greats like Grave Digger and Running Wild have been releasing sub-par albums, I think it’s great that Ross The Boss has released something you can have as a guilty pleasure. I certainly hope he goes on to more, and better, albums.

The cover: It’s an eagle striking down on an army. Might have to pay royalties to Primal Fear there, Ross.

7 Manowar thongs out of 10.

- Information
- Released: 2008
- Label: AFM Records
- Website: Rob The Boss MySpace
- Band
- Ross “The Boss” Friedman: guitars
- Patrick Fuchs: vocals, guitars
- Carsten Kettering: bass
- Matthias “Matze” Mayer: drums

- Tracklist
- 01. I. L. H.
- 02. Blood of Knives
- 03. I Got the Right
- 04. Death & Glory 0
- 05. Plague of Lies
- 06. God of Dying
- 07. May the Gods Be with You
- 08. Constantine’s Sword
- 09. We Will Kill
- 10. Matador
- 11. Immortal Son