A cut above many
Come Taste the Beast
Taurus Run
(Distributed by Disculture)
Reviewed by Rob Graham
This self-financed four track CD is the debut album from Taurus Run, and it's a great effort.
Come Taste the Beast opens strongly with "Run Wild", an up-tempo rocker with a slight hint of Judas Priest in a couple of places. "Steeltown" is in a similar vein — gutsy hard rock with some nice melodic touches. "When You're Alone" is the obligatory ballad, and a rather good one. "It Hurts" also has a strong melody, with a nice big guitar.
The production is good, although I would have liked a punchier drum sound.
Lyrically, Taurus Run are a cut above many hard rock/heavy metal bands, showing a degree of social consciousness which is unfortunately often lacking in this genre. They look at issues such as youth alienation, destruction of the environment and exploitation of workers by big business, loneliness and a failed relationship (with a refreshing lack of sexism).
Definitely a band to keep an eye out for. I imagine that they sound even better live.