Roadrunner Roadrage DVD Kicks Up A Storm
Well known and lauded for holding the cream of the American crop of metal today, and growingly so in terms of European metal bands, 'Roadrunner Roadrage' released in celebration of the talent the record now holds in its 25th year of presenting the metal scene with some of the worlds most renowned acts presents a unique and well-received snapshot of where the label is at nowadays. Luckily, rather than simply reeling out just the big name acts this DVD also features some of the latest up and coming bands of today showing there is still life and dynamism left in Roadrunner!
With 31 videos on offer and lasting 2 hours one thing that this DVD definitely is, at £7.99, is value for money. Featuring both well-known and long-time bands such as Fear Factory, Slipknot and Machine Head alongside up and coming acts such as 3 Inches Of Blood, Trivium and Throwdown this showcase certainly provides both variety and some top notch metal and metalcore, which should make any fan of these genres, find some juicy nugget to entertain them.
One thing I definitely would have liked to see more of on this DVD would have been recognition of the recent European acquisitions the label has made including such sterling acts as Within Temptation and Opeth. Indeed, with the only non US bands being British Metallers Cradle of Filth (including a guest appearance from Liv Kristine of Leave's Eyes) and Israeli old-schoolers Betzefer there is a definite American slant on proceedings. Whilst this is all well and good, and there is certainly talent on display, this American-centric snapshot of the labels assets doesn't really represent the European talent adequately which when you consider just how much quality music this DVD is missing therefore, seems like a sore shame.
Overall at this price, and with the variety that there is something on it to suit anybody who has a penchant for head banging, it would be a criminal shame not to give this DVD a look-in on your 'to-buy' list. Even though it somewhat lacks in some areas, particularly in terms of European and UK metal, this DVD is certainly worth the 2 hours it takes to view its sumptuous offerings.