Another band I was unaware of until I checked out Escape Music’s website looking for new things to listen to. Before we start, I have to give a big thumbs up to Escape Music as the vinyl I have of theirs is fantastic. Superb pressings and quality covers. There are other European labels that could take note of this. Frontiers are pretty bad when it comes to quality control. The last three albums I have bought from them have been terrible – very noisy records that should never have gone out. Anyway enough of that! So what do we know of these guys? Well, they are a relatively new band from the UK comprising of Lee Small ex Shy on vocals, Steve Grocott ex Ten on guitars, keys and a rhythm section of Brian Anthony on bass, and David Anthony on drums. What we have here is very well played and written melodic/power metal.
Opening track, Defiant, is a freaking awesome opening track with a fast driving groove with a killer riff. Add to that a great vocal with a massive hook and harmonies, with the cherry-on-the-top of a monster solo, and we have a winner! Houdini is next up and the pedal is still to the metal – the quality continues. These guys are GOOD! The production is top notch, it’s very clear and the separation is perfect. The bass and drums sound huge – I don’t remember Lee Small being this amazing, but I guess I wasn’t paying attention before. Stronger is next up and it’s fat huge riff time, and the most commercial sounding track so far. It has huge vocal with a big chorus and harmonies, and another killer solo from Steve Grocott – who gets to cut loose here more here than in Ten. Great song! The last track on Side 1 is Tell It To The Bees, and think late eighties American radio rock and you are somewhere close.
Over to Side 2 with Monster Truck – another killer tune. Huge chorus and harmonies, big keyboard, and guitar joint riff – kind of reminds me of Night Ranger in their rockier moments. Pyramids Of Mars follows and what a killer intro, it really sets the mood for the song. This is a very melodic Euro metal track with lots of guitar and epic vocals. Emotions In Motion is next up, and I guess it had to happen…we are now entering ballad central. As far as ballads go, it’s very well done and carried well by Lee’s vocal. Last track on Side 2 is Highwire and we are back to big riff city with a huge driving rhythm. These guys must have hooks and melodies oozing from their pores. Another great tune.
Over to Side 3 we go with Contact. We are carrying on where we left off, a chop chugga riff, big keyboards, huge vocals and melodies – it’s like déjà vu. Goth The Girl is next up and I think it’s about Mina from Dracula. It’s a good song, but it doesn’t register with me as much as the others. Final track, The Time Machine, is the longest track on the album at 1 second shy of 8 minutes and is the centre piece of the record. A huge epic piece and is worth the entrance fee alone. More of everything that we’ve already had but 10 times more.
There is a Side 4 but it has the dreaded etched side, and we all know how I love them! Well recommended for lovers of this type of music, and if you’re not, then why not give a go? It’s a great record.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
