Saturday Song(s) To Collaborate To

Roadunner United
Roadrunner United's only release, The All-Star Sessions, is a truly unique record. To celebrate the record label's 25th anniversary, Roadrunner Records VP of A&R Monte Conner came up with the idea to write and record a full album with musicians from some of the label's current and former acts. Four "team captains" were chosen to head the process and 57 musicians from 45 bands contributed to the record. Roadrunner is arguably the biggest "metal" label, so there were some pretty impressive acts to choose from.  Sepultura, Killswitch Engage, Fear Factory, Slipknot, Machine Head, Deicide, Cannibal Corpse, and Type O Negative are just a few of the bands represented on The All-Star Sessions. Predictably, none of the songs sound the same, but there is something for everyone; rock, metalcore, punk, death metal, black metal, and prog are all fairly represented.

"Army of the Sun"
This is my personal favorite from this record. It features Tim Williams (Vision of Disorder, Bloodsimple) on vocals. I just love how he can switch between a scream and croon in the same breath. I would describe the song as a metalcore ballad. It's got a good melody and heartfelt lyrics.

Lyrics
I was electrified by your eyes as they froze
Inviting me inside of your life to grow
Everlasting setting sun
You’re my angel, you’re the only one
No one close and nothing compares in the end
We will be together again
I'm so mesmerized by the light you expose
Igniting a fire deep inside of my soul
Darkness shall fall with the strength of us all
I raise my white flag
It’s the last flag I’ll ever raise
Don't stay away
Staring at you and all you are
I believe
We will be together again


"The Dagger"
This is the first song on the record. Howard Jones (Killswitch Engage) handles the lead vocals on this one. This is a straight metalcore song, but with a twist; Jeff Waters (Annihilator) throws in an epic speed metal solo towards the end. The incredible chorus starts at 1:58.

It's also worth mentioning that there was a one-off concert held in New York City to celebrate the album's release featuring most of the musicians and some prominent friends. Tracks from the new record were played along with some classics from the label's history. Here's the live version of "The Dagger"...

...and here's the live rendition of Killswitch Engage's "My Last Serenade." Howard Jones and Jesse Leach (the original Killswitch frontman) sing the song together, and it's just awesome. Enjoy.