The Showdown are back with their follow up to 2004’s A Chorus of Obliteration. After the release of A Chorus of Obliteration, The Showdown seemed to be a metal core monster. That album was devastating in the best way. Chances are if you loved A Chorus of Obliteration, upon first listen to Temptation Come my Way you will hate it. I hated it at first but the more I listen to it the better it gets. The album starts off with A Monument Encased in Ash, which seems to pick up right where A Chorus of Obliteration left off, that is until the vocals kick in. Vocally they went southern rock ala new He is Legend and Maylene and the Sons of Disaster. This album still keeps the intensity that A Chorus of Obliteration had. The deep growls of David Benton still exist, the breakdown are still heavy, and A.J. Barette’s drumming is absolutely punishing. It’s tracks like “Breath of the Swamp” and “Death Finds Us Breathing” that will have old fans appreciate this album. However, I do feel that they could have done a lot more with their cover of Carry On Wayward Son by Kansas. It lacks their own touch, they played it too safe. As dirty as their new sound is, the production on this album is fantastic. Everything flows together nicely. From their southern rock roots to their fondness of death metal, this album is worth listening to. Imagine if you were take bands like Skynard and Molly Hatchet and gave them a swift kick in the balls and a love for metal and Jesus and you have the new Showdown album. Give this album a chance, it will grow on you. Give this a listen if you’re a fan of new He is Legend, Southern Rock, and Jack Daniels.