Gold and Guns on 51

Over the years, countless bands -- Saint Vitus, Soundgarden, Corrosion of Conformity, etc. -- have created close approximations to classic Black Sabbath. But the first one to do it entirely as a two-piece is the Blackfire Revelation. With a home base of New Orleans, LA (although its members hail from elsewhere originally: singer/guitarist/bassist John Fields from Japan and drummer Hank Haney from Virginia), the duo created a buzz by gigging constantly. And their live sound is not lost on their debut release, the five-song EP Gold and Guns on 51, as it sounds exactly as if the boys are blaring away on a sweaty stage somewhere. The tunes are heavy and murky, which will serve as a doom metallist's dream. Included are three originals, including the album-opening standout, "Battle Hymn," as well as a pair of curious covers, the Troggs' "I Want You Right Now" and Blue Cheer's "Second Time Around" -- the latter of which includes a cameo from former White Zombie bassist and major Blackfire Revelation supporter Sean Yseult. As proven throughout Gold and Guns on 51, nothing beats the sound of a band playing live together -- something the majority of "Pro Tools bands" should take note of.