It is always interesting when well-known musicians get together to form a new band, and while it is a given that they can all play, do they have enough musical ideas to set the new band apart from their own past? This trio comprises Matt Barlow (vocals – ex Iced Earth), Freddie Vidales (guitar/ bass - ex Iced Earth) and Van Williams (drums - ex Nevermore). Now, there is a pretty solid case to say that Matt’s best work has been with Iced Earth, and vice versa, but he hasn’t been setting the world alight with his most recent works, so it was with great interest that I put this on the player. Ten songs later I did just what any self-respecting metalhead would do – went to the fridge to get more beer, turned the player up just that little bit more, and settled back to go through it again.
This is one of those albums that grabs the listener by both the balls and the ears and brings them in immediately. Whatever you want from a traditional metal album then I can pretty much guarantee that it is here. The band say that during the recording they felt influenced by more classic band such as Iron Maiden and Saxon, but also by more extreme bands like Behemoth and Machine Head. While I can hear all of these, there is also a healthy dose of classic Nineties Iced Earth as one could well expect. We end up with a melodic, extremely well crafted metal album, with strong riffs, great rhythm section, lyrical guitar solos and stunning vocals. Come on guys, how on earth could you wish for anything more than this? 5 solid gold stars all the way – this one is a keeper..
