Only Heavy Metal

An enjoyable, humorous collection of Sinatra covers.

Pros

* Musically involved and very different from originals.
* Varied and intriguing vocal performances.
* Nice cross selection of lead singers.

Cons

* Compilations like this seldom last longer than the curiosity factor allows.
* Doesn't really appeal to any one audience on either side of the metal/Sinatra fans.

When it comes to the most head scratching, WTF metal moments, this idea for a heavy tribute to the legendary Frank Sinatra has got to register up there as one of the most bizarre in recent memory.

Featuring a bevy of talented singers—from Glenn Hughes, Ripper Owens and Joey Belladonna to Geoff Tate and Jani Lane—Sin-atra actually works quite well as a unique listen…that is, if one can get by the album’s grasping-at-straws sort of concept.

Whether or not The Chairman of the Board, or his fans, will approve of this collection is a moot point; neither party will ever get to hear this bad boy. No, Sin-atra is clearly aimed at the metal crowd, with sights set on water cooler hot topics and party conversations.

For what it’s worth, the lion’s share of these songs are fairly interesting, although one wonders how much replay value any of these collections really have in the long run.

Vocally, Devin Townsend stands out as a clear and present winner, his over-the-top theatrics actually lending his cover of “New York New York” a vibrant, ever-present life of its own. Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider also impresses with his take on “It Was a Very Good Year,” soaring right through his range with power and passion.

Elsewhere, it’s give and take, from the very good (Ripper Owens’ take on “Witchcraft,” Joey Belladonna doing “Strangers in the Night” and Warrant's Jani Lane on "That's Life") to the very bad (Elias of Nonpoint butchering “Love and Marriage”). Regardless, Sin-atra is a lot of good fun…worth at least a listen or two.