review by: Roberto Martinelli

This five-piece Italian band, whose name loosely translates to something like "atomic snack," has decided to make a career of taking the style of Metallica during its glory years and making it live into the 21st century. In this, Merendine Atomiche does a good job. You can hear the Metallica signatures, but the riffs aren't ripped off. In fact, Merendine Atomiche has quite a few good, original riffs and constructions.

The high points of this CD, which was recorded at the renowned Sulight Studios in Sweden (I thought that place closed down…?) are the rhythm guitars and bass, which are punchy and heavy in true Hetfield and Burton fashion. The guest solo by Jeff Waters (Annihilator) on "Game Over" is particularly tasty as well. So while it still may sting to contemplate how much Metallica has sucked for so long, Merendine Atomiche may provide a nice balm for the pain. (6/10)