Screamer, Pheonix (High Roller Records)
Have had this album on for a few spins and at first it really did sound like an ok sounding classic metal album. But under that old school metal sound is a really great band.
There is nothing new or different here other than great old classic metal. Talking about late 70s early 80s time when the whole world got to know who Motorhead and Iron Maiden were. The riffs are fast as is the drumming at times but it all sounds so well done and not at any point do you feel it sounds like a certain bands song or even album. First track "Demon Rider" starts off fast and introduces the vocalist who has again that classic metal scream. The music is a mix of Judas Priest and fast riffs from an early Flotsam and Jetsam. Nice solos and killer rhythm playing keeps the head nodding.
Classic metal songwriting is easy to do but hard to make it sound fresh now. "No Regrets" has a great intro that keeps you keen. Building up with some nice guitar work and then the vocal harmonies come in to steal the show. "Far Away from Home" and "No Sleep 'till Hamilton" are the classic on the road songs. Not just a tribute as they really do hold there own. The screeching old school vocals mix in well with the switching melodic guitars.
Some nice guitar reverb on "Mr Norman" takes things on a ballad style song for a bit. but as with good old denim and leather metal it builds into great song with more of those driving guitars. This really is not that a technical album and the music does really feel more fun than serious but the song that has most depth is "Red Moon Rising" it feels a little power metal in parts as it seems to contain a story but that is very welcome here and helps the album change a little. Still fixed in the early 80s and album closer "Lady of the River" has a feel of punk rock with the slightly sharper riffs. It gallops into a maiden style sound but not for too long as it is the shortest song here.
Covers bands the world over wish they could write this sort of music. Nothing wrong with some nostalgia and getting out that old denim jacket with the patches on it. Hey you would do worse than have this bands patch on it as it is a great catchy album.
7/10
Twitter: @29xthefun
