Untitled Document
This is the second release by this Swedish band and once again, the influences
from 80's metal music prevail. I'll bet that this band knows how to play every
song on Iron Maiden's first two albums as quite a few of the guitar riffs
and the 2 part guitar harmonies are very reminiscent of early Maiden. Their
first self-titled album was a modest success in Europe landing them opening
slots for such bands as Edguy, Paul Di'anno And Killers and received
rave reviews by the European critics. Although some may argue that this band
is ripping-off Maiden on some songs (and I have to admit they do come close
at times!!!) It is a refreshing change to hear a young new band playing 80's
style metal and not the typical Power Metal style or Death/Black style that
seems so popular right now although there are a few bands such as Primal
Fear, and True Metal acts such as Hammerfall and Lost Horizon
that are enjoying success playing a very 80's influenced style of metal. I absolutely
love music that has instrumental breaks and sudden tempo changes that erupt
in a frenzy of drums, guitars in the middle of the song (a la Maiden!!) and
this album is full of that stuff. The vocalist, Nick Olsson, has a good strong
powerful voice along the likes of Kai Hansen or at times a bit like Rob Halford
and really compliments the sound of the band. With so many new bands going for
the slick polished Power Metal sound, it is great to hear a new band playing
a more raw reckless metal sound and at times I also hear influences from bands
such as Saxon, Motorhead, Accept and Running Wild as far as the
guitar sounds (no ultra-chunky detuned guitars here!!). The songs are strong
with each being built around a main riff (a staple of 80's style metal) and
are fairly fast-paced (with the exception of Venom). A few tracks really
stand out upon early listens and one track in particular, Genocide, just
KILLS!!. A very fast paced almost Motorhead-like song with excellent
riffs and great lead breaks. Another solid track, I Am The Devil, has
sections that sound like parts of Ghengis Khan and Transylvania
by Iron Maiden (but what's wrong with that??). The Curse and Unholy
Night, two more great tracks, have those instrumental breaks mid-song with
Unholy Night also having some slower more expressive soloing. Another
major influence on this band is evident by their decision to use Thomas Holm
(who designed Mercyful Fate's Melissa and Don't Break The Oath
album covers) to design the cover but also to cover Mercyful Fate's A
Dangerous Meeting as the final track on the album. A stunning version of
an absolute metal classic!!...well done guys!!
Overall, the musicianship is top notch by all members of the band with good
fast shredding on most of the guitar solos, good drums and bass and great vocals.
Production-wise, the sound is solid although the vocals could be a little more
fuller and more up in the overall mix and some of the leads could be a bit louder
but these are very minor points. The only faults with this band may be the lack
or originality in some cases and the fact that not many songs have any real
choruses to them. That may be by choice or may reflect that we are dealing with
a young new band that will mature in time. I expect great things from these
guys in the future and if you're into 80's style heavily Maiden-influenced metal
and haven't heard anything new in that genre for quite a long time, these guys
are for you..........
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