Rock Band Download Low-Down: Week 23
Each week we’ll run out onto our website stage like roadies and review the latest Rock Band Downloadable Content. Check back every week! (And click here for all of our previous music DLC reviews.)
*NOTE: Each of the songs in this week’s selection costs 160 Microsoft Points ($2). They are also available as a full album download for 1,200 points ($15).
"Screaming for Vengeance" by Judas Priest (1982,
9 tracks/10 songs total)
WHAT ROCKS: A handful of tracks are definite gems here. The opening cuts, "The Hellion" and "Electric Eye" (combined into one song in Rock Band because the former is only 41 seconds) are two of the better guitar and drum riffs. The title track is the most challenging on the album for both drums and guitar -- but arguably also the most fun. The other drum/guitar highlight is the hectic "Riding on the Wind." On vocals, you can't beat the one Priest song everyone knows: "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."
WHAT SUCKS: Played in a row, in order (a process made as difficult as possible because the game lacks a custom setlist feature and doesn't list the tracks in the order they appear on the album when you sort by artist at the song-selection menu), we noticed that almost every one of these songs goes on for, literally, about a minute too long. The final measures in most cases simply repeat the same patterns, wearing out their welcome. Also, most of the drum selections are rather easy -- some of them overly, boringly so. Bass is also dull across the board, including laughably so on "Pain and Pleasure."
FINAL VERDICT: Finally, Rock Band has its first full album download. And while "Screaming for Vengeance" is certainly a metal classic, it can hardly be considered so within the context of the gameplay. Bass is universally disappointing, drums are mostly mediocre, and almost every song goes on for too long. The guitar and vocals save this album from a totally negative rating -- as does the unexpectedly reasonable price point -- but not by much.
As a semi-relevant aside, with so many songs in the game now, including these album downloads, an update that adds custom setlist support (so we can at least play all of the album's tracks in the proper order without needing the jewel case in front of us) wouldn't just be appreciated, it's downright necessary at this point. It really breaks the flow of trying to get into an entire album when you have to drop back to the song selection menu and then figure out what the next one is, select it, and wait for it to load up. Harmonix is generally good about taking care of its fans, so hopefully they'll remedy this malady.
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shermedwin
May 02, 2008 at 9:08pm
omg thriller!!!! anyone listen to beat it or Billie Jean lately? The base line on Billie jeanand not only would screamin "Beat It!" but what about Van Halen's guitar solo???
theinfamoustimmy
May 02, 2008 at 11:04am
Customer lists of some sort would be perfect. Also, if there was a way to remove downloadable songs from the random option. I'm OK on everything, but some more "casual player" friends of mine have a lot of trouble when something from the Thrash Pack or Metallica shows up. :)
Chaotic
April 29, 2008 at 7:39pm
I completely agree about the songs lasting one minute too long. It feels like they are five minute too long, lol. The difficulty level is on par for these songs so that is definitely a plus. I wouldn't download the whole album, but get "You've Got Another Thing Comin' and "Devil's Child". Great tracks! www.thelocclan.com
daddyphatsack5
April 27, 2008 at 5:48am
HOPEFULLY SOMEONE OUT THERE IS LISTENING (BY LISTENING I MEAN READING THIS). THE ROOTS SONG THE SEED(2.0) feat. CODY CHESNUTT WOULD BE AN AMAZING ROCK BAND SONG....HAS A GREAT ROCK FEEL TO IT....SOMETHING FRESH FOR THE GAME AS WELL.
incubus9002
April 26, 2008 at 9:49am
where is all the good bands like Led Zeppelin, The Doors, AC/DC, or even some new rock like Incubus, Linkin park, Korn but no for the first album you choose judas priest. you really dissapointed me this time rockband.
sHo76uNd3Wd
April 24, 2008 at 9:13pm
I think I'm going to pass. First album is Judas Priest....very dissapointing.
xdoctorblindx
April 24, 2008 at 10:19am
ok, maybe this has been touched on before...and it's probably a tad off topic...but why aren't we seeing any Audioslave?? I can't this of a better album for the game than their self titled debut, and we know all the members of the band are sold on the whole rhythm game trend (both rage and sound garden have been featured)...is it that tom morrello sold is soul to GH?? I hope that's not the case...anyways! this pack is weak, it doesn't deserve a not bad, but I'm also not a big fan of Judas priest, or more accurately...I hate Judas Priest...bring on the Crue!
bobcatmtn420
April 24, 2008 at 7:23am
Judas Priest is alright......but what happened to nirvana or the who ?? Also does anyone know if the song "Water" , which is on the remastered version of "Whos' Next" will be on the DLC ?? We all need water....and maybe somebodys daughter!
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