NWOBHM pioneers are still plugging away after 40 plus years, albeit with only one original member, which is fully loaded compared to some legacy bands that have zero original members. Somewhat invigorated with the arrival of guitarist Mickey Crystal (who is a first division musician) and the band have released an album that stands proud against anything they have done before.
Opening track, Worlds Apart, shows Mickey’s talents to the fullest – both with the full on riff and killer leads. Destiny has a touch of Ozzy with the main riff, and has a nice chorus. Rescue Me is up next and starts with a slow chugga riff – its a decent tune. Raise Some Hell follows and has that NWOBHM riff that I am sick of hearing. Every band and his dog has used this riff so many times – it should be put out for retirement. The song is saved by a killer solo. Spoils Of War closes out Side 1 and is a nice epic tune and the big production of this side. It sounds nothing like the Tygers if I’m honest, mostly thanks to the epic guitar from Mr. Crystal.
Side 2 opens with the single White Lines which is an ok song with a nice chorus and melody, but (and this is becoming a habit) the song is lifted by the guitar. Words Cut Like Knives is power ballad 101 with a nice vocal from Jac. Damn You is straight from the NWOBHM rule book with a textbook riff. Art Of Noise is next up and is the most modern sounding track on the album with the pounding bass. Close out track, Sail On, has an almost Malmsteen intro and sounds very euro metal – its a great track. Big shout out to the rhythm section of Gav Gray on bass, and Craig Ellis on the pots and pans – who lay down some great grooves. Mickey Crystal sadly left the band after this, saying he was being used just to write songs and that Weir’s involvement was minimal. Shame, as he is a top class musician and he will be missed.
8/10 from The Grooveman.
