The Reckoning combines modern metal with thrash and power metal elements. The songs are slick and commercial in the vein of bands like Sevendust and Disturbed, but also have an edge to them. The songs are pretty good, with decent hooks and catchy melodies, and there are a couple of really good tracks. But overall it's not as memorable as an album in this genre should be.
Having recognizable names like Ellefson and DeGrasso is nice, and they do an excellent job, but realistically the vocalist and guitarists are going to be much more prominent than the bassist and drummer. Conley and Davis are up for the challenge, playing very well with creative riffs and excellent solos.
Steele's vocals are melodic, and he displays good power and range. He's not a David Draiman (Disturbed) soundalike, but there are similarities. The Reckoning is a solid CD, and F5 have all the elements in place to be even better.
(released August 19, 2008 on Oarfin Distribution)
