The Metro Detroit project, led by Paul Vuocolo, dropped their studio version of “Almost Honest” on January 16, and honestly? It just works. Truenemy took a smart path here, they didn’t try to rewrite history or get weird with it. Instead, they gave the original a fresh coat of paint while keeping the bones intact.
What grabbed me first was the guitar tone. It’s sharp, a little gritty, and sits right where it should. Vuocolo’s vocals lean into the original melody but carry their own weight, less mimicry, more respect. You can tell he’s a fan, not a copycat.
The production, handled by Chuck Alkazian at Pearl Sound Studios in Canton, Michigan, keeps everything clean without losing the edge. Nothing feels overworked. The rhythm section drives forward like it means it, and the guitar work stays tight and faithful to the original feel.
Here’s a cool detail for the diehards: they layered a synth into the bridge that tips its hat to Friedman’s rare Japan-only EP “Cryptic Sounds“. That’s the kind of deep-cut move that makes longtime Megadeth listeners grin.
This isn’t a band showing off. It’s a band paying tribute the right way, loud, tight, and honest about where they come from. If you dig metal covers done with real care, give this one a spin. Crank it up. Stay connected with Truenemy on social media for updates on future releases: Facebook – Instagram – X – TikTok – Spotify – SoundCloud – Bandcamp – YouTube – Website.
