Initially, I thought I had this band all figured out. From the obvious stoner metal influence and playful title of the lead track, “Ha ha ha uh”, I felt like I knew exactly what to expect. These guys were not interested in odd time signatures or complicated song arrangements. They were merely interested in having some fun with rock n’ roll.
The Black Widow’s Project are a self-described “Power Rock” trio from Geneva, Switzerland. Heavy Heart, their first full-length release, is a sobering example of just how easily rock n’ roll can essentially be rendered powerless. While there are infrequent nods to stoner metal or 70’s rock, the bulk of this album relies heavily on ordinary mainstream rock clichés.
While I will agree that there is nothing wrong with wearing your influences on your sleeve, The Black Widow’s Project seem to be wearing someone else’s shirt. The album is a haphazard mixture of paint-by-numbers alternative rock and yawn inspiring blues rock. This combination leaves the impression that you are simply listening to a modern hard rock cover band. The previously mentioned stoner influence is almost completely abandoned after the first track.
It is obvious that they are aiming for mass appeal, which is understandable. Like many modern mainstream rock recordings, the guitars are mixed politely behind the rhythm section and any heaviness is tempered by an overall compression. The result is so ordinary that you can almost hear the songs struggling to keep your attention. The element of fun that I anticipated was utterly eclipsed by a feeling of desperation. It seems like both the band and I wanted so much more out of this album.
In the end, Heavy Heart collapses under the weight of its own averageness. I certainly do not demand originality or judge an artist by their level of experimentation. However, I do expect a modicum of honesty and I just don’t feel like The Black Widow’s Project are being honest with us.
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