THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Day: April 7, 2024 (Page 2 of 2)

GREEN LUNG – This Heathen Land

April 7, 2024 /

I absolutely loved Green Lung’s last album, Black Harvest, and I was seriously looking forward to this one. I’m assuming, having read the preface in the enclosed booklet, that the band consumed large amounts of magic mushrooms before recording this opus.

It’s amazing how much medieval themes crop up as inspiration in metal music, and this album is based on old Albion folk stories. Well, that’s what I get from reading the lyrics anyway. The album is not as heavy as previous efforts but man, is this a great record and they successfully bring 70’s grooves and tones into a modern soundscape.

Favourite tunes? Well, the lead off track The Forest Church is epic and sets the tone for the whole album, but it’s the huge doom chords at the intro of One For Sorrow and the folkish vocal melody that just enthrals me. Such a great song.  

A great band that have basically carved out their own little niche that they are willing to explore with each record.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

BARREN CROSS – Atomic Arena

April 7, 2024 /

Back in the day if you were tagged as a Christian rock band then it was a near certainty that your chances of making it in the mainstream were zero. There was a huge stigma attached to these bands which meant that rock fans were missing out on some good bands. Of course, the exception was Stryper who managed to make a go of it.

Barren Cross were operating in a slightly heavier plane, with a more metal sound. In fact, vocalist Mike Lee is a ringer (vocal-wise) for Bruce Dickinson and that should give you an idea of the sound of this album.

Killers Of The Unborn is a great tune with lots of metal riffage, and a definite nod in Maiden’s direction, as well as the following tune In The Eye Of Fire, complete with galloping riff and groove. My favourite track however, is album closer Living Dead. Another galloping riff with huge Maiden overtones, and it’s hard not to imagine Bruce is actually singing this one.

For lovers of mid-eighties metal, this one is definitely for you. Don’t be put off with the Christian tag as this is a damn fine record.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

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