Blackwell may be one of the hardest-rocking bands to come out of Eastern Mass in the past few years. The band’s sound harkens back to the classics of 70s and 80s hard rock and metal, as well as newer acts in that vein such as Richie Kotzen and Joe Bonamassa. These influences show on their debut album, "Revival," released on iTunes earlier this year. Guitarist Nate Adelman and singer Nate Burket vie for the spotlight on the album, with Burket’s operatic range and Adelman’s walls of guitars and cocksure solos working in tandem to convey the swagger that this genre necessitates. Drummer Steve Snow and (former) bassist Marc Apesos also lay down some sweet rhythms to underpin the pyrotechnic show put on by the Nates. Standout tracks are album opener “Welcome to Hell,” the Bad Company-ish “Animal Man” and the hooky “Sellout.” Make sure to see them live at JJ’s in Northborough, MA, on December 27, opening up for Tribute This! – Ben Bosco
