Los Angeles quintet Holy Grail burst onto the metal scene in 2009, mixing traditional heavy metal with symphonic sensibilities and loads of melody while maintaining passion and aggression. Metal Hammer in the UK nominated them for best new band just for the songs on their debut EP – at that time they hadn’t even recorded and album. ‘Crisis In Utopia’ was released in 2010 and from there the band hit the road for two years touring with the likes of Blind Guardian, Eluveitie and Dragonforce (which sounds like a gig made in heaven) as well as many others. They are now back with new album ‘Ride The Void’ and producer Matt Hyde (Slayer, Children of Bodom) has brought out a darker side.
Instead of odes to Valhalla, the band are now talking about serial killers and even cancer (inspired by a family member’s battle). At times they come across as Dragonforce, at others Bullet For My Valentine, others Children of Bodom but never losing that hungry powerful edge. These guys don’t sound American at all, as they have obviously been influenced much more by the European and especially British scene – is that Dave Murray and Adrian Smith interplay I hear on “Dark Passenger”? The band have definitely expanded their horizons and if you enjoy traditional metal that has a strong melodic edge then this is definitely for you. It is hard to pick a fault with this as the more I play it the more I love it. Now if only they would come and play in NZ… For more details visit www.nuclearblast.de
