Purchase physical and digital copies on Bandcamp.

Released on all platforms on January 26th, 2024 via Cruz Del Sur Music.

In case you missed it, I wrote about how I’ve developed a strange fascination with traditional heavy metal that, given my tastes and upbringing, is completely out of left field. I’ve always gravitated towards self serious music, but, as I age, I am developing a greater appreciation for music that is just unabashedly fun. So, yeah, I was pretty excited when Showdown, with its skeletal gunslinger, by Mega Colossus landed in my inbox, because, without listening, I knew the deal. Showdown was going to be a blast.

Let’s address the elephant in the room. Showdown, with its harmonized leads, soaring clean vocals, and lyrical references to a certain whip wielding archaeologist, is corny. For me, though, it is corny in the most fun, enjoyable way possible. It’s hard to not crack a smile (or a whip) when Mega Colossus hits a three part harmony or guitarists Bill Fischer and Chris Millard link up on the literal definition of a shit hot guitar lick. Let’s check our pretension at the door give Showdown a spin.

“Fortune and Glory” is a brilliant opener, immediately laying out the blueprint for the entire record. On each track, the bassist, Anthony Micale, and the drummer, Doza Mendoza, are going to lay a rock solid foundation for some blistering guitar leads and the hookiest of ear worms. The high point of this banger comes when the drums, complete with a flange effect over the fill, lead us into a halftime around the five minute mark, creating the perfect launchpad for even more leads and hooks. Mega Colossus showcases their composition chops on “Outrun Infinity,” with each musician weaving in and out of each other over the relatively simple structure and chord progression. The bridge, featuring an absolutely bonkers guitar solo, would make the epic power metalers of yore grin like proud parents. At this point, you should have finished one Busch.

“Grab the Sun,” feels like the natural point to slow the tempo down a bit, sitting at the midpoint of the record, but the track erupts into a gallop reminiscent of Iron Maiden after the briefest flirtation with a medium tempo. The guitar solos will steal the show, but listen closely to those transitions. Micale and Doza deftly move us through the many feel changes of “Grab the Sun,” link unison hits with intelligent fills, and accent leads and vocals thoughtfully throughout. Mega Colossus never feels content to simply string together parts; everything feels intentional. The titular “Showdown” is the most anthemic track on the record, which is really saying something about how strong the chorus of “Showdown” is. Busch number two should be empty.

“Wicked Road” is a bit of a flex. Right out of the gate, we are treated to some spot on harmonies and an absurd guitar solo, but, if you thought this was another uptempo ripper, you’d be wrong. Mega Colossus faked us out with “Grab the Sun,” but they finally deliver the mid-tempo power ballad you’ve been waiting for with this one. We are treated to sparse verses that build throughout the track’s run time, an absolutely brilliant chorus, and the album’s strongest vocal performances. Mega Colossus closes the record with “Take to the Skies,” a six minute guitar dogfight about, well, dogfighting seaplanes. Here, I find the album’s only real misstep. “Take to the Skies” is certainly not a bad track, but I would have preferred the album to close with a stronger track like “Wicked Road” or “Grab the Sun.”

You’ve done it. You’ve finished half a six pack of Busch. Smash that play button one more time and kill all six.

For a long time, I thought all art should be serious, that everything needed to speak to some deeper part of the human condition or some other pretentious nonsense. I’m here to tell you that it is also human to be happy and feel joy, and, if Mega Colossus doesn’t put a smile on your face, you should probably check your pulse.

Stream and purchase Showdown on Bandcamp.

For fans of: Shit hot guitar licks and cheap beer

Perfect for: Crawfish boils

Favorite Track: “Wicked Road”

Rating: 9/10